An Historicall Discourse of the Uniformity of the Government of England. The First Part. From the first Times till the Reign of Edward the third. The Continuation of an Historicall Discourse, of the Government of England, Until the end of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth. With A Preface, being a Vindication of the ancient way of Parliaments in England.

Nathaniel Bacon, John Selden

Published by Matthew Walbancke. Matthew Walbancke, and Henry Twyford, London, 1672

About this Item

A very good copy in largely contemporary binding. In two parts with separate title pages dated 1647 and 1651 respectively. It is suggested that John Selden (1584-1654) is the true author of the work, which was then edited by Nathaniel Bacon - whose name is on the title to the Continuation. However, this is still a matter of argument. The work was produced originally as the Civil War came to its close and the Commonwealth was established and is written against the royal prerogative. A 'secret' or 'private' edition was produced in 1672 after the restoration of the monarchy. It is stated that 750 copies were produced and many were burnt or otherwise destroyed. The edition has the 2 works in one, is dated as for the 1647/51 edition and there are variants of it. Detailed study (Joseph A Dane, University of Chicago Press) suggests that the remnants of 1672 copies were put back together and sections reprinted later. This copy is clearly a 1672 'secret' edition, of which parts are likely to be later printings. According to ESTC this copy has the Title page in setting A; Quires B-C are in setting 2; and Quire D in setting (b). The binding is full calf with contemporary boards with blind ruled lines and new matching spine with raised bands and title label. Endpapers have been retained with repair, and there are some ink numerals to the front and a latin quotation with initials to the verso of the fep. Contents: title 1647; To Consideration 2pp; Contents listing 4pp; Prologue 4 pp; text pp 1-323 Finis; Table 11pp; Finis; Title 1651; contents 2pp; Preface 20pp; text pp 1-307; table 8pp; Finis. All with decorative headpieces. The paper is lightly toned, particularly to edges, but the copy is very clean with crisp paper. Book size 20 cm x 15 cm.

Seller Inventory # 032862

Bibliographic Details

• Title: An Historicall Discourse of the Uniformity of the Government of England. The First Part. From the first Times till the Reign of Edward the third. The Continuation of an Historicall Discourse, of the Government of England, Until the end of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth. With A Preface, being a Vindication of the ancient way of Parliaments in England.
• Publisher: Matthew Walbancke. Matthew Walbancke, and Henry Twyford, London
• Publication Date: 1672
• Binding: Full-Leather
• Condition: Very Good
• Seller catalogs:
  • Law
  • HISTORY