Beschreibung:

Title: The historie and lives of the kings of England, from William the Conqueror to the end of the reigne of King Henry the VIII. by William Martyn Esq. Whereunto is now added the historie of King Ed. VI. of Queene Mary, and Q. Elizabeth. by B.R. Mr. of Arts. With sundry other usefull observations Author: Martyn, William Place: London Publisher: Printed by R. Young, for himselfe & others Date: 1638 Description: [42], 203, 202-843, [59 (of 63)] pp. pi1 [fleuron]6 a-b4 A-4G6 4H4 (-4H3-4). With copper-engraved title-page featuring portraits of kings and queens of England in ornate frame; 23 metalcut portraits in the text. (folio) 26.2x17 cm. (10¼x6¾"), 19th century full heavily embossed black morocco tooled in gilt, marbled endpapers, vellum flyleaves, all edges gilt. Originally published, 1615, under title: "The historie, and lives, of twentie kings of England," with this edition greatly expanded. The 23 portraits are printed from the plates of "Baziliologia" (STC 13581), by Renold Elstracke and others. Chapter on Richard I includes passage on Robin Hood and Little John in which the tale of the "Honest theeves" is told (p. 42). "The historie of Queene Elisabeth" covers pp. 425-843 [i.e. 427-845]. Ink name of collector Wm. Foote on front flyleaf, and is name in gilt on the spine. Below Foote's name on the flyleaf is that of Robert L. Wever, dated May 3rd, 1911. STC 17529. Lot Amendments Condition: Soiling, aging and some marginal staining to the contents, a few tears, title-page chipped, mounted on paper backing, first leaf of dedication remargined affecting some text; lacking the final two leaves, the last one of which was a blank; good or better condition. Item number: 227937a