Watch List notes:

Loon, Gerard van. MEDALLIC HISTORY OF THE LOW COUNTRIES (1555–1716). Los Angeles, 2021. English translation directed by John Saunders and Hugo Vanhoudt. Four volumes, complete. 4to, original matching red cloth lettered in white. 1722 pages total; text illustrations; 121 color plates, plus occasional unnumbered full-page color enlargements. Fine. The first translation into English of Gerard van Loon's enormously important Beschryving der Nederlandsche Historipenningen, first published between 1723 and 1731. A landmark work, the translation of which is a huge achievement. The reproduction of the original engravings is very well done, and the additional color plates photographically illustrating the medals are highly welcome. Still the standard reference on over 3000 historical medals from 1556 to 1716. In the December 2009 issue of the MCA Advisory, John W. Adams wrote: "the work is as relevant now as it was when published... As a reference work, 'van Loon' deserves its reputation for meticulous [engravings], accurate legends (and translations), well-described devices and copious historical support. A numismatic library that does not have a set of van Loon is not, simply put, a numismatic library."