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A group of scarce eighteenth century works important for establishing the apologetic stance towards Mary Queen of Scots as an innocent figure. A scarce pair of eighteenth century works on the iconic sixteenth century monarch Mary Queen of Scots, including William Tytler's An Inquiry into Evidence Against Mary Queen of Scots, and John Whittaker's Mary Queen of Scots Vindicated. The third and second editions respectively, published between 1772-1788. In quarter 19th century morocco, with maroon cloth boards. End papers renewed, with front blank of Evidence preserved, containing a contemporary ink inscription. Both these early historical works were critical for upholding Mary Queen of Scots as a tragic figure innocent of plotting against her cousin Elizabeth I which remains prevalent today, blaming instead her rivals who forged her involvement. - An Inquiry, Historical and Critical, into the Evidence against Mary Queen of Scots, and An Examination of the Histories of Dr. Robertson and Mr. Hume, with Respect to that Evidence. A Scottish lawyer and historian, William Tytler's convincing inquiry was written as a critique against William Robertson's with success, undergoing many editions. Third edition (1772, first published 1760). - Mary Queen of Scots Vindicated, Volumes I-III. Whittaker, a prolific historian of his generation, looks towards Mary's sonnets and letters away from the external evidence, highlighting that Mary wouldn't have plotted against Elizabeth due to her relationship and character. Complete in three volumes. Second edtion (1788, first published in 1787). In quarter 19th century morocco, with maroon cloth boards. End papers renewed, with front blank of Evidence preserved, containing a contemporary ink inscription. Externally, the odd faint mark and scratch to boards, with rubbing to joints and edges. Cracking to heads and tails of joints, none to Vindicated III and only to head of front joint of I. Rear joint of Vindicated II starting and tender, with front joint of Evidence held by cords only. The odd rubbing mark to spines, with bumping to the extremities, and minor loss to heads and tails. Renewed end papers are clean, with wear to Evidence front end paper hinge. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are generally bright and clean, with slight age toning and the odd spot to leaf extremities, lighter to Vindicated III, heavier to Evidence. Heavier browning and age toning to first and final leaves. Good.
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