Author: Spelman, Sir John: (Wase, C., trans; Walker, O., ed.:)
Title: Aelfredi Magni Anglorum regis vita tribus libris comprehensa [...]
Description: Oxonii [Oxford], e Theatro Sheldoniano, 1678. First edition. Folio, pp. [xl] 219 [i] [xii] + 7 engraved plates (no.XII bound upside down), of which five are of coins. 2 further engravings (half-page) in text. Anglo-Saxon, Black Letter, Roman and Italic text. Engraved vignette of the Sheldonian Theatre on title-page, engraved royal arms at head of dedication (to Charles II). A few marginal pencil marks. Gathering K toned. Contemporary speckled calf, possibly later gilt title and rules to spine, marbled edges. Joints worn and just starting at head, head cap worn, still very good. Armorial bookplate of Gaddesden Library to front pastedown, and 'Gaddesden Park' pencilled to ffep. First edition of this life of Alfred the Great by the author and Royalist Sir John Spelman (1594-1643). It is believed to have been translated from the original English by Christopher Wase (1627-1690), the head of the Oxford university press, and edited by Obadiah Walker (1616-1699), the Master of University College Oxford. "[Spelman's] Life of Alfred was originally dedicated to Charles i, but the new dedication points out a quite special resemblance between Alfred's life and that of Charles ii, who had lived so long in exile" (Madan). ESTC R4024; Wing S 4934; Lowndes 2474; Madan 3197.

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


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