Matthaei Paris Monachi Albanenfis Angli Historia Maior

William Watts

Published by Apud Viduam G Villielmi Pele, Paris, 1644

About this Item

A scarce edition of William Watts's revised edition of the life and historical works of Matthaeus Parisiensis. Matthew Paris is commonly regarded as England's greatest medieval historian. He became a monk of St. Albans in 1217, and succeeded Roger Wendover as historiographer of St. Albans in 1236. He drew his information from many documentary sources including papal bulls and royal letters and from conversation with eye-witnesses of the events narrated. His style is graphic; his view is broad; and his opinions are expressed with fervour. Based on an earlier work by Roger of Wendover and also known as Flores historiarum, this is the new edition which first appeared in 1640. It was originally intended to be a mere reprint of Parker's edition, however its editor, Dr William Watts, who was chaplain to Prince Rupert, was regarded as a definite advance on Parker's. It was reissued twice, of which this is the first. Features decorative boarders, capitals and head and tail pieces. Bound in decorative calf binding. Externally, a trifle rubbed with worn extremities. Both boards are held by the cords only. Frontispiece absent. Armorial bookplate to front pastedown. Copperplate ink numbering to half title. Early copperplate ink signature to endpaper dated 1690. Library stamp to half title and title page. Internally, generally firmly bound although endpaper is detached yet present. Pages are bright with the odd spot. Marginal tide marks effecting page 15 to page 52. Slight worming to page 189 through to the back board. Good Only. Seller Inventory # 724L24

Bibliographic Details

Title: Matthaei Paris Monachi Albanenfis Angli ...

Publisher: Apud Viduam G Villielmi Pele, Paris

Publication Date: 1644

Binding: Leather

Illustrator: None

Condition: Good Only

Book Type: book