Author: (Goodwin, Thomas:)
Title: The History of the Reign of Henry the Fifth, King of England, &c. In Nine Books.
Description: London: printed by J.D. for S. and J. Sprint, J. Robinson, J. Taylor, Andr. Bell, T. Ballard, and B. Lintott, 1704. Folio, pp. viii, 256, 267-272, 257-266, 273-362 + portrait frontispiece. Preface bound before dedication; pp. 267-272 (i.e. leaves MM2-4) bound out of order, but all present. The appendix has a separate titlepage, with the date 1703. A few neatly pencilled marginal notes. Frontis and title both lightly toned and a bit dusty, odd spots of foxing becoming heavy by final two leaves. Slightly later tan calf, neatly rebacked, raised bands, gilt spine, black title label, blind-tooled border, corners repaired, marbled edges, endpapers renewed. A little scuffed, some smudgy marks, a very good copy. Goodwin's work is beginning to be recognised by modern historians as an important and in some respects innovative early contribution to the historical reputation of Henry V. "Goodwin's study marked a milestone in the study of the reign of Henry V... The chief contrast between Goodwin's work and that of earlier writers on Henry V lies in the broader picture he drew of what kingship was about and, consequently, by what criteria a king might be judged... The history of a reign, as understood and presented by Goodwin, went far beyond the language and 'deeds' (Acta or Gesta) of a single man. It was the history of a national enterprise, guided and led by the king. Although historians may differ today over interpretations regarding this question or that, this success or that failure, and in particular over their understanding of the king's character, that is still, in essence, how we see his reign today." (Allmand). Please see 'Writing History in the Eighteenth Century: Thomas Goodwin's The History of the Reign of Henry the Fifth (1704)', Christopher Allmand's very interesting chapter in Henry V: New Interpretations (2013) for a great deal more information on the scope and innovations of Goodwin's work. ESTC T90148

Keywords: Early Printing (to c.1800, all subjects);British & Irish History & Topography


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