SERROU (Robert). The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of - Lot 264

SERROU (Robert). The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, Rhodes, and Malta. Paris: Éditions Guy Victor, 1963. Large oblong quarto, lavishly illustrated with photographs, historical documents, maps, and black-and-white and color reproductions, many of which are full-page or double-page spreads. The book contains approximately 187 pages. It was published on the occasion of the election of the 77th Grand Master of the Order of Malta. The book traces the history of the Order from its hospitaller origins and the Crusades to its contemporary activities. The press at the time described it as a “luxuriously illustrated album,” highlighting in particular the quality of Pierre Vals’s photographs. This copy is significantly superior to the standard edition, which is usually bound in the publisher’s red cloth. It features a deluxe binding in full white/cream morocco leather, with a smooth spine bearing the title L'ORDRE DE MALTE in spaced-out gold lettering, and covers framed by a gold fillet; the front cover is adorned with a large rectangular panel of red morocco leather edged in black, embossed with a majestic gold crown surmounted by the white Maltese cross. The set is housed in a slipcase edged with red morocco leather, covered with remarkable red and cream decorative paper featuring winged dragon motifs. Printed on November 15, 1963, at the Imprimeries Réunies S.A. in Lausanne. Bound by Ateliers Mayer & Soutter S.A. in Lausanne. A very fine copy. The white binding is remarkably fresh considering its color, with only a few small foxing spots or isolated marks visible on the covers. The decoration on the front cover is very well preserved. Spine is fresh, with crisp gilt lettering. Interior is clean. Original slipcase included; some scuffing and wear on the corners and edges of the slipcase.