Histories

Histories of England

Robert Fabyan (d.1513)

The chronicle of Fabian

London: By John Kyngston, April 1559

Adoption Price: $50

ADOPTED!

Robert Fabyan (d.1513); editor Sir Henry Ellis (1777-1869)

The new chronicles of England and France, in two parts; by Robert Fabyan. Named by himself The concordance of histories. Reprinted from Pynson's edition of 1516. The first part collated with the editions of 1533, 1542, and 1559; and the second with a manuscript of the author's own time, as well as the subsequent editions: including the different continuations. To which are added a biographical and literary preface, and an index, by Henry Ellis

London, Printed for F.C. & J. Rivington [etc.] 1811

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ADOPTED!

Thomas Lanquet (1521-1545) and Thomas Cooper (c.1517-1594)

Cooper's Chronicle

London: [s.n.] 1560

Adoption Price: $25

ADOPTED!

compiled by Raphael Holinshed (d.1580?)

The chronicles of England, Scotland and Ireland

London, Printed in Aldergate Street at the signe of the Starr, 1587

Note: six volumes, bound in two books

Note: "Holinshed's Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland was at once the crowning achievement of Tudor historiography and the most important single source for contemporary playwrights and poets, above all Shakespeare, Spenser, Daniel, and Drayton. Popularly known as Holinshed's Chronicles, the work was first printed in 1577. The second, revised and expanded, edition followed in 1587. The importance of Holinshed's Chronicles for the understanding of Elizabethan literature, history, and politics cannot be overestimated." -- The Holinshed Project

Adoption Price: $100, each volume

Volumes 1 and 5 ADOPTED!

John Stow (1525?-1605)

The annales of England…

London for G. Bishop and T. Adams [1605]

Adoption Price: $25

ADOPTED!

John Speed (1552?-1629)

The History of Great Britain

London, Printed by John Beale, for George Humble, 1623

Adoption Price: $50

John Stow (1525?-1605); added to by Edmund Howes

The annales, or, Generall chronicle of England …

London: Impensis Thomae Adams, 1615

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Sir Richard Baker (1568-1645)

A chronicle of the kings of England….

London: Printed by E. Cotes, and are sold by G. Saubridge ... and T. Williams ..., 1660.

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Sir Richard Baker (1568-1645)

A chronicle of the kings of England….

London, Printed for George Sawbridge at the Bible on Ludgate-Hill, and the Assigns of Thomas Williams, 1679

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Richard Braithwaite (1588?-1673)

A survey of history: or, A nursery for gentry. Contrived and comprised in an intermixt discourse upon historical and poetical relations

London, Imprinted by I. Okes, for I. Emery, 1638

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ADOPTED!

Samuel Daniel (1562-1619)

(1) The collection of the history of England

London, Printed by T. Cotes, for S. Waterson, 1634

Samuel Daniel ADOPTED!

John Trussell (active 1620-1642)

(2) A continuation of the collection of the history of England, beginning where Samuel Daniel esquire ended, with the reign of Edward the Third, and ending where the honorable Viscount Saint Alban's began, with the life of Henry the Seventh, being a complete history of the beginning and end of the dissension betwixt the two houses of York and Lancaster. With the matches and issue of all the kings, princes, dukes, marquesses, earls, and viscounts of this nation, deceased during those times.

London, Printed by M. D. for E. Dawson, 1636

John Trussell ADOPTED!

Francis Bacon (1562-1619)

(3) The history of the reign of King Henry the Seventh / written by the Right Hon. Francis Lo. Virulam [sic], Viscount S. Alban, whereunto is now added a very useful and necessary table

London, Printed by I.H. and R.Y. and are to be sold by Philemon Stephens and Christopher Meredith, 1629

Francis Bacon ADOPTED!

Note: all three works numbered (1-3) above are bound together into one book.

Adoption Price: $25, each book

Richard Verstegan (c.1550-1640)

A restitution of decayed intelligence in antiquities. Concerning the most noble and renowned English nation. By the study and travell of R. V.

London, Printed by John Norton, for Joyce Norton, and Richard Whitaker, 1634

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William Warner (1558?-1609)

Albion's England: A continued history of the same kingdom, from the originals of the first inhabitants thereof: with the most chief alterations and accidents there happening, unto, and in the happy reign of our now most sovereign Lord King James / First penned and published by William Warner: and now reused, and newly enlarged a little before his death; Where unto is also newly added an epitome of the whole history of England

London : Printed for G.P. and are to be sold by Richard Moore ..., 1612

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Edward Ayscu

A History Containing the Wars, Treaties, Marriages, and other occurrences between England and Scotland, from King William the Conqueror, until the happy Union of them both in our gracious King James. With a brief declaration of the first Inhabitants of this Island: And what several Nations have since settled themselves therein one after an other

London by G. Eld. 1607

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ADOPTED!

Mr. John Oldmixon (1673-1742)

The history of England, during the reigns of King William and Queen Mary, Queen Anne, King George I. Being the sequel of the reigns of the Stuarts. The matter has been collected from many curious manuscripts, and the most rare printed tracts. It contains a very exact account of the debates in Parliament, and short extracts of the most remarkable political pieces within this compass of time. To which is prefixed, a large vindication of the author against the groundless charge of partiality.

London, Printed for T. Cox [etc.] 1735

Note: A continuation of his History of England during the reigns of Henry VIII. Edward VI. Queen Mary. Queen Elizabeth, London, 1739, and History of England, during the reigns of the royal house of Stuart, London, 1730

Description: John Oldmixon was an English historian writing in the early eighteenth century both on matters of British history and the makings of colonial America. Oldmixon’s writing career began with publishing poems and plays in the 1690s, and he transitioned to writing histories starting in 1708. The History of England During the Reigns of King William and Queen Mary, Queen Anne, King George I is one installation of a continuous history of England throughout the Tudor and Stuart monarchies. Oldmixon has a tumultuous career as a historian, often in conflict with contemporary writers of the time both being accused of partiality and accusing others of altering texts to suit party purposes. In this edition of The History of England, there is prefixed a vindication of the author against the “groundless” charge of partiality when writing on Stuart monarchs. The content has been gathered from a variety of manuscripts, rare printed tracts, and contains notable political pieces from the reigns of William and Mary and Anne and George, including debates in Parliament regarding state policy in a divided England. Enthusiasts and historians alike would be fascinated with the rich history that is included in this volume, showing not only specific instances in history but also gives a glimpse to political biases during this time and how chroniclers used partiality to shape history. -- Emily Schmidt

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ADOPTED!

Mr. John Oldmixon (1673-1742)

The history of England, during the reigns of the royal house of Stuart. Wherein the errors of late histories are discover'd and corrected; with proper reflections, and several original letters from King Charles II. King James II. Oliver Cromwell, &c. As also the Lord Saville's famous forged letter of invitation, which brought the Scots into England in the year 1640, and gave occasion to the beginning of the civil wars. To all which is prefixed, some account of the liberties taken with Clarendon's history before it came to the press, such liberties as make it doubtful, what part of it is Clarendon's, and what not. The whole collected from the most authentic memoirs, manuscript and printed. By the author of the Critical history of England

London, Printed for J. Pemberton [etc.] 1730

Description: This folio of The History of England during the Reigns of the Royal House of Stuart by John Oldmixon (1673-1742) was published in 1730. It is a long work—around 800 pages— but short section descriptions printed in the margins, as well as an index, make it navigable. This book traces the history of England from the ascension of James I in 1603 until the overthrow of James II in 1689. Oldmixon attributes James II’s overthrow to his misgovernment and attempts to chain the country to “spiritual and temporal bondage,” and much of the work reflects a similar negative view on the Stuart monarchs, as well as a disdain for Catholicism both domestically and abroad. This is hardly surprising, as John Oldmixon was a Whig polemicist. This work also shows the influence of exploration and colonization by including extensive descriptions of overseas adventures such as those by Sir Walter Raleigh. The inclusion of the “liberties taken with Clarendon’s history” is an attack against Francis Atterbury and the other editors of the Earl of Clarendon’s History of the Rebellion, since Oldmixon believed they had tampered with the text. -- Kathleen Kokensparger

Adoption Price: $50

ADOPTED!

White Kennett (1660-1728)

A complete history of England: with the lives of all the kings and queens thereof; from the earliest account of time, to the death of His late Majesty King William III. Containing a faithful relation of all affairs of state, ecclesiastical and civil. The whole illustrated with large and useful notes, taken from divers manuscripts, and other good authors: and the effigies of the kings and queens ... with alphabetical indexes

London, Printed for B. Aylmer [etc.] 1706

Note: there are three volumes

volume 1. I. The history of Britain to William the Conqueror, by John Milton.--II. From the conquest to the end of King Edward III., by Samuel Daniel.--III. The reigns of King Richard II., King Henry IV., V., and VI., all new writ in Mr. Daniel's method.--IV. The reign of King Edward IV., by John Habington.--V. The lives of King Edward V. and Richard III., by Sir Thomas Moore, translated from the Latin original.--VI. The life of King Richard III., by George Buck.--VII. The life of Henry VII, by Francis, Lord Bacon.

Description for Vol 1: This volume is one of three that was printed in London for B. Aylmer in 1706. It is typically attributed to White Kennett, the bishop of Peterborough, who wrote the third volume. However, the first two are comprised of materials collected by John Hughes. John Hughes was a writer and librettist born sometime in January 1678 in Marlborough, Wiltshire. He was descended from well-educated, middle-class puritans and began writing tragedies, poems, and religious works in 1697. Hughes struggled acquiring patronage for his writings and turned to writing modern editions of English writers and translations of classical and continental works in order to make a living. His compilation of A Complete History of England in 1706 was one of these such works. This first volume includes “The History of Britain to William the Conqueror,” by John Milton, “From the Conquest to the End of King Edward III,” by Samuel Daniel, “The Reigns of King Richard II, King Henry IV, V, and VI,” by Samuel Daniel, “The Reign of King Edward IV,” by John Habington, “The Lives of King Edward V and Richard III,” by Sir Thomas More, “The Life of King Richard III,” by George Buck and “The Life of Henry VII,” by Francis Bacon. This prolific list of royal histories not only encompasses works that highlight pivotal moments of English medieval royal history, but are primarily written by historically important and influential authors, not the least of which being Thomas More and Francis Bacon. Not only is this work an incredible source of history, but it is itself a piece of history, an immortalization of some of the greatest writers of the sixteenth century. -- Danielle Alesi

Volume 1 ADOPTED!

volume 2. I. The history of King Henry VIII., written by Edward, lord Herbert of Cherbury.--II. The life of King Edward VI., by Sir John Hayward.--III. The life of Queen Mary, written in Latin by Francis Godwin, lord bishop of Hereford, newly translated into English by Mr. J[ohn] H[ughes].--IV. The history of Queen Elizabeth, written by William Camden, newly done into English.--V. The annals of King James I., by the said Mr. Camden.--VI. The history of King James I, by Arthur Wilson.

Description for Vol 2: The second volume presents a concise history of the Kings and Queens of England, it begins with the history of King Henry VIII, and concludes with James I. This volume brings together several different authors. The chapter on Queen Mary I includes the original Latin text and the English translation. To help the reader, printed marginalia notes create a quick guide of the more detailed text. This is a very large book and though the cover and binding show signs of damage and age, the pages of the text appear to be in good condition. The inside cover holds a long black feather, perhaps used by the original owner as a book mark. In the discussion of Queen Elizabeth’s reign, a smaller black feather sits between the pages, as if stuck in time. -- Angela Bolen

Volume 2 ADOPTED!

volume 3. [By White Kennett] I. The history and life of King Charles I.--II. [The history] of King Charles II.--III. [The history] of King James II.--IV. [The history] of King William and Queen Mary.--V. [The History] of King William III. All new writ by a learned and impartial hand.

Adoption Price: $25, each volume

Thomas Carte

A general history of England

London, Printed for the author, 1747-1755

Description: The first of three volumes written by Englishman and Oxford trained scholar, Thomas Carte in the eighteenth century. This first volume begins with the invasion of Julius Caesar and ends with an account of Roman soldiers leaving Britain. Printed marginalia guides the reader through the text and offers inside into the content of each page. This binding on this volume does need some repair and the cover seems to be in decent shape. Inside the front cover, a stamp bears the name of a previous owner, W. Bowles Heale. This volume also contains a single leaf that appears to be part of a letter, likely either from or to the owner of the book. The letter appears to have been written in the late eighteenth century or early nineteenth century, based on the handwriting. This large piece is a beautiful printed work, elegantly written, and well-maintained.

The second volume of Carte’s history spans sixty two years beginning with the reign of Henry II and ending with King John. The binding and cover of this work are in surprising shape for a book that is nearly three hundred years old. An owner’s stamp on the cover indicates that this book was once owned by W. Bowles Heal. The pages are crisp and are only slightly damaged by time. Printed marginalia guides the reader through the six decades of history contained within.

The third volume of Carte’s treatise on the history of England is beautifully bound and in excellent shape. This volume begins with the reign of King Henry VIII and ends with the marriage of James I daughter, Princess Elizabeth in 1613. This is a very large book and the pages are beautiful and crisp with very little damage. Throughout the work, printed marginalia guides the reader through the content. This peace, nearly 270 years old and well-preserved, examines some of England’s most well-known, well-loved, and infamous monarchs.-- Angela Bolen

Note: 4 volumes

Adoption Price: $25, each volume

Peter Heylyn (1600-1662)

Examen historicum: or, A discovery and examination of the mistakes, falsities, and defects in some modern histories. Occasioned by the partiality and inadvertencies of their severall authours: by Peter Heylin. In two books

London, Printed for H. Seile and R. Royston, 1659

Note: multiple parts

Each book has special title page:

(a) Part I. Containing necessary animadversions on The church-history of Britain. And the history of Cambridge. Published by Thomas Fuller.

(b) Part II. Containing some advertisements on these following histories [by Sir William Sanderson]: viz. 1. The complete history of Mary queen of Scots ...; 2. The history of the reign and death of King James ... the First; 3. The complete history of the life and reign of King Charles, from his cradle to his grave.

Part II ADOPTED!

Description: The Examen historicum was written by Peter Heylyn (1600-1662), a churchman who served as chaplain-in-ordinary to Charles I. He wrote many works on behalf of the king and Laudian reform. In this work, he attacks Thomas Fuller’s Church History book by book. Heylyn points out small inaccuracies, such as incorrect dates, criticizes Fuller’s unclear religious affiliation, and accuses Fuller of a pro-Puritan bias. In the second portion of the book, he criticizes William Sanderson’s histories of Mary Queen of Scots, King James, and King Charles. The book was written in Oxfordshire, to which Heylyn fled when his property was confiscated during the Civil War. It was published in 1659, although Heylyn claims that most of the work was completed by 1657. The Examen Historicum shows the continuing religious debates following the Civil War and how those debates could be played out in scholarly writing. It also shows how the history directly preceding the war still generated different interpretations and elicited strong responses. -- Kathleen Kokensparger

Adoption Price: $25, each part

Misc. Histories

Thomas Heywood (c.1641)

The life of Merlin, sirnamed Ambrosius. His prophesies, and predictions interpreted; and their truth made good by our English annalls. Being a chronographicall history of all the kings, and memorable passages of this kingdome, from Brute to the reigne of our royall soveraigne King Charles

London : Printed by J. Okes, and are to be sold by Jasper Emery ..., 1641

Description: The Life of Merlin was a book devoted to telling the history of all the great kings of England dating as far back as to the legendary king Brutus and extending through Charles I. This detailed account of both history and fiction represented the author’s dedication to creating captivating plays and published works during his life time. Thomas Heywood was an Englishman born around 1570 who wrote many plays during his time along with small books and pamphlets. The Life of Merlin was one of his later works, written in 1641 right before his death in 1641. Heywood was a very influential man as he had many of his plays performed and is said to have had an influence on numerous other plays. This is one of very few of his works that survives to this day.

Heywood’s work was published at a very important time in history because 1642 would see the outbreak of the first English Civil War against King Charles I. The Life of Merlin had praised Charles as England’s king but did not give indication about the upcoming war and his subsequent beheading in 1649. Within this book, there is also a number of pages dedicated to the predictions made by Merlin and what they mean within the context of the time at which Heywood was writing. This would have been very important but most likely disregarded with the outbreak of the civil war shortly after its publication.

In this particular book there is also numerous notations on the inside of the front cover, including a name and date to 1732. In the title on the title page there is also penciled in a name of one of the owners, possibly a newer owner or the same owner just at a different time. -- Lindsey Peterson

Adoption Price: $25

ADOPTED!

collected by J. Morgan (active 1739)

Phoenix Britannicus: being a miscellaneous collection of scarce and curious tracts, historical, political, biographical, satirical, critical, characteristical, &c. Prose and verse. Only to be found in the cabinets of the curious. Interspersed with choice pieces from original MSS. Vol. I. Containing numbers, I, II, III, IV, V, & VI.

London: : Printed for the compiler, and T. Edlin, at the Prince's Arms, against Exeter Exchange in the Strand; and J. Wilford, at the Three Golden Flower-de-Luces, behind the Chapter-House, St. Paul's, [1732]

Description: Joseph Morgan is said to be an English compiler/editor of books. Little is known about him. The Oxford Dictionary of National Biography provides the best description, but most of this is linking him to books that he compiled or edited. Little of the information actually pertains to who he was.

The work is a collection of different works ranging from many different fields. It ranges from historical, political, biographical, satirical, critical and prose. Each is a separate work done by a different person, making an exact description of authors difficult.The work has a rather interesting dedication to Charles, Duke of Richmond and Lennox. While the rest of the work is done in rather small script, the dedication is done in very large script. The editor’s intention to emphasize the dedication can be seen by this action. It also shows the editors understanding that the rest of the work may not possibly be read by the patron. The book is highly detailed, with extremely long tracts of marginal glossing, included to further explain points. The marginal comments almost could serve as full extra pages in some cases. The printed text is done in a very modern style of English, with very little difference between today’s English except for word choice. The contents are split accordingly to the periodical they came from. The book is a compilation of the 6-issue periodical that Morgan was editor of. The binding of the book, however, is very fragile to the point it is falling apart. Intense care needs to be used when handling it.

Phoenix Britannicus is a collection of rare pamphlets during the Civil War period in England. It is an important work of scholarship because it shows how people of this tumultuous period were dealing with the problems around them. On page 1 of the text, it reads that the work appeals to the ‘curiosities of these realms,’ indicating that by using this source we can understand what they were curious at.-- Andrew Singleton

Adoption Price: $25

ADOPTED!

World History

John Lydgate, (1370?-1451?)

The Life And Death Of Hector. One, and the first of the most Puissant, Valiant, and Renowned Monarchs of the world, called the Nine worthies. Shewing his invincible force, together with the marvelous, and most famous Acts, by him atchieved and done in the great, long, and terrible Siege, which the Princes of Greece held about the town of Troy, for the space of Tenne yeares. And finally his unfortunate death after he had fought a hundred main battles in open field against the Grecians: The which herein are all at large described. Wherein there were sla[i]ne on both sides Fourteen Hundred, and Six Thousand, Fourscore, and sixe men. Written by John Lydgate Monk of Berry, and by him dedicated to the high and mighty Prince Henry the fifth, King of England

London, Printed by Thomas Purfoot. 1614

Description: The Life and Death of Hector, published in 1614, is the first edition of the modernized and abridged work of John Lydgate. John Lydgate who lived from c. 1370-1450 was a poet and prior of Hatfield Regis. Lydgate had a monastic upbringing and often referred to himself in his writing as the Monk of Bury. The Bury St. Edmunds Abbey had one of the best libraries in England and may have been a source for literary patrons for Lydgate. Around 1412 he received a commission from the then the Prince of Wales and future King Henry V to write a poem in English that would demonstrate that the language could be used to tell grand and noble tales like other literary languages. It took Lydgate about 8 years to complete his work which he titled The Troy Book. The text was modernized and republished in 1614 under the titled The Life of Hector, and the new version is often attributed to English poet and playwright Thomas Heywood (c. 1573-1641). The manuscript was printed in London and follows the story of the ancient siege of Troy and its heroes such as Hector and Achilles. The book starts with a dedication to Prince Henry V and continues into the epic story of the fall of Troy. There are several errors relating to page numbering including the repletion of pages 126-131. Also, before the title page there are some handwritten notes on a blank page giving more information about Lydgate and the original commission of the work. After the conclusion on the text, there is a page which lists notes on specific page numbers; some of the notes appear to reference where the owner of the book believed Lydgate was imitating Chaucer’s writing. The book has its original binding and is 318 pages long (or 324 pages if including the errors and counting every page). -- Maureen Owens

Adoption Price: $25

ADOPTED!

Sir Thomas Herbert (1606-1682)

A relation of some years travail, begun anno 1626. Into Africa and the greater Asia, especially the territories of the Persian monarchy, and some parts of the Oriental Indies and isles adjacent. Of their religion, language, habit, descent, ceremonies and other matters concerning them. Together with the proceedings and death of the three late ambassadors Sir D. C., Sir R. S. and the Persian Nogdibeg; as also the two great monarchs, the king of Persia, and the great mogol.

London, Printed by W. Stansby, and J. Bloome, 1634

Adoption Price: $25

ADOPTED!

Richard Knolles (1550?-1610)

The General History of the Turks, from the first beginning of that nation to the rising of the Ottoman family : with all the notable expeditions of the Christian princes against them : together with the lives and conquests of the Ottoman kings and emperors / written by Richard Knolles ; with a new continuation, from ye year of our Lord 1621. unto the year 1629. faithfully collected

[London] : Printed by Adam Islip, 1631

Description: [10], 1511, [1] p., [47] p. : ill. ; 33 cm. Richard Knolles was an English historian best known for this very work, The generall historie of the Turkes. This work represented the first major depiction of the Ottoman Empire in English. Knolles was educated at Lincoln College Oxford and later became a headmaster of a grammar school. The first edition of this work was in 1603. The popularity of the topic led to multiple editions in which others include continuations. This book is the 4th edition which includes the continuation of Sir Thomas Roe, who was an ambassador to the Ottomans for the English. The work starts at 755 and follows Turkish history into the present date. Each leader is represented by a portrait as well as a chart denoting the rulers, contemporaries in Europe during his life, including monarchies as well as popes. There is also a section on Tamerlane and includes a poem in Latin and translated into English. There is also a rather large section on Solyman IV the Magnificent emperor of the Ottoman Empire. Included in the book are two large indexes and tables. This copy includes a signature from 1844, of a Henry Willats. There is also a note and signature from a Dr. Johnson. There is also a stamp on the third page with a small inscription. On the back cover is a small drawing of a head and face in profile. The book is in rough condition and the front cover is not attached but it is original binding. -- Dylan Powell

Adoption Price: $25

ADOPTED!

Francisco López de Gómara (1511-1564)

Histoire generalle des Indes Occidentales, et terres neuues, qui iusques à present ont esté descouuertes

A Paris, Chez Michel Sonnius, ruë Sainct Iaques à l'enseigne de l'Escu de Basle. 1605

Adoption Price: $25

ADOPTED!

Jean Froissart (1338?-1410?)

Chronicles of England, France, Spain, and the adjoining countries, from the latter part of the reign of Edward II. to the coronation of Henry IV. By Sir John Froissart. Translated from the French editions. With variations and additions from many celebrated mss. by Thomas Johnes ... to which are prefixed, a life of the author, an essay on his works, and a criticism on his history ..

London, W. Smith, 1844

Note: Bound by Root & Son in three-quarters red crushed levant morocco. Marbled paste-down and end papers. Back in six panels, tooled and lettered. Gilt edges

Note: two volumes

Adoption Price: $50, each volume

Jean Froissart (1338?-1410?)

Illuminated illustrations of Froissart: selected from the manuscripts in the British museum, by H.N. Humphreys, esq

London, William Smith, 1844

Note: illustrations partly from the mss. 4379 and 4380 of the Harleian collection (containing the fourth volume of Froissart'sChronicles divided into two parts) and partly from mss. in the Bibliothèque nationale at Paris. Intended to accompany Smith's edition of the Chronicles, London, 1844. A second series appeared under title: "Illuminated illustrations ofFroissart. Selected from the ms. in the Bibliothèque royale, Paris, and from other sources." By H.N. Humphreys. London, W Smith, 1845. Cf. Brit. Mus. Catalogue. Both series, with the plates inserted in their proper places, are found in the reissue of Smith's edition, London, H.G. Bohn, 1855

Adoption Price: $50

Jean Froissart (1338?-1410?)

Illuminated illustrations of Froissart: selected from the manuscripts in the Bibliotheque Royale, Paris, and from other sources

London : William Smith, 113, Fleet Street, 1845

Adoption Price: $50

Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727)

The chronology of ancient kingdoms amended. To which is prefix'd, a short chronicle from the first memory of things in Europe, to the conquest of Persia by Alexander the Great.

London, Printed for J. Tonson [etc.] 1728

Description: Description: xiv, [2], 376 p. 3 fold. plans. 25 cm. Rough condition, binding is falling apart. This chronology is by Sir Isaac Newton, (Dec. 25, 1642-Mar. 20, 1726) the famous English mathematician and physicist, whose work was fundamental in the basis of modern science. He was educated at The King’s School in Grantham and later at Trinity College in Cambridge. Newton is best known for his Laws of Motion, discovery of gravity, and invention of calculus among many other achievements. The Chronology of Ancient Kingdoms Amended, printed in London for J. Tonson in 1728, posthumously, is an example of one of Newton’s other interests other than physics and mathematics: ancient history and chronology. It is believed to be the last work reviewed personally by Newton himself before his death. According to John Conduitt, his assistant at the Royal Mint and husband of Newton's niece, this work was only done as a diversion and amusement for Newton when he needed a break from his other research. The Chronology is divided into six chapters. The first being the First Ages of the Greeks, the second, the Empire of Egypt, third, the Assyrian Empire, fourth, the two Contemporary Empires of the Babylonians and Medes, fifth, a description of the Temple of Solomon, and sixth, the Empire of the Persians. There is also a dedication “To the Queen” by John Conduitt and an advertisement for the reader. In the description of Solomon’s Temple, there are three folded pages that extend to showcase architectural diagrams of the Temple based on the biblical accounts. In this lesser known work by Newton, he combined ancient myths with history from the Old Testament to produce a chronology of the ancient world. -- Dylan Powell

Adoption Price: $100

ADOPTED!

Edward Grimeston

A General History of the Netherlands, with the genealogy and memorable acts of the Earls of Holland, Zeeland, and West-Friseland, from Thierry of Aquitaine the first earl, successively unto Philip the third, King of Spain. Continued unto this present year of Our Lord 1608, out of the best authors that have written of that subject

London, Printed by A. Islip, and G. Eld., 1608

Description: Edward Grimeston was an author and translator of massive histories of various foreign countries, including Spain, France, the Netherlands and Venice, which he dedicated to noble sponsors such as Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury, and Thomas Howard, 1st Earl of Suffolk. His works formed the reference sources used by some of the playwrights of his day. He died in 1640. This is a massive book on practically everything known about the Netherlands and its history from earliest times until 1608, as it is an encyclopedic history sponsored by major noblemen, whose work was highly influential as a starting point for the histories of foreign countries as known in England. The book is bound in brown leather about 13” x 9”, and about 3 1/2” thick. It has no page edging. There are six ridges running across the back instead of the five for some of the other books. The leather has deteriorated at the edges of the spine, allowing a glimpse at the page binding itself. The front and back covers are framed in triple-rule grooves, in which the middle one is gilded, and there is a stamped design in the middle. This book lacks the usual decorative paper on the inside front cover and first page. The covers seem to be some sort of whitish cardboard material, and the leather binding is crudely folded over the edges of the front cover; in the back, a white paper is glued over this. There are no blank pages in front. The book is all of 1415 pages long, and includes many formal illustration drawings of historical figures. The pages are stiff and warped from water damage. There is a title page, a dedication, a preface “To the courteous Reader”, and a translator’s preface “The Translator to the Reader”. At the end of the work is the notice “FINIS” with a roughly triangular stamp design beneath it. Following that is an index giving the page numbers of names mentioned. On the last blank page before the back cover is some writing by an owner: “Justinian: Champasz”, and about four Greek words, as if for practice. -- Rory Larson

Adoption Price: $25

William Thomas (1554)

The History of Italy, a book exceeding profitable to be red: because it entreateth of the state of many and divers common weals, how they have been, or now be governed

[London, Marshe, 1561]

Adoption Price: $25

ADOPTED!