Original Letters, written during the Reigns of Henry VI. Edward IV. and Richard III. By various persons of Rank of Consequence; Containing Many Curious Anecdotes, relative to that turbulent and bloody, but hitherto dark, Period of our History; and Elucidating, not only Public Matters of State, but likewise the Private Manners of the Age: Digested in Chronological Order; with Notes, Historical and Explanatory; and Authenticated by Engravings of Autographs, Fac Similes Paper-Marks, and Seals. In two volumes. The Second Edition with Additions and Corrections

John Fenn (Editor)

Published by G G J and J Robinson, London, 1787

About this Item

The complete two volumes of this important correspondence from the fifteenth century. This work is the largest surviving English family correspondences of this century, being of the Paston family and the high figures connected to them. The Second edition of this work, published in the same year as the first edition. John Fenn acquired these letters in the eighteenth century after he bought them from Thomas Worth, a chemist at Diss. They cover the years 1422-1509. The Paston family were Norfolk gentry with high connections. This Fenn editorial brought interest to the letters, which were otherwise relatively unknown. A later two volumes were published in 1789 and Fenn had the intention to produce a fifth volume which remained unfinished at his death. Following the publication of this work, the manuscripts vanished which raised public doubt as to their authenticity. However, in the late eighteenth century Francis Douce and Sir Thomas Phillips acquired sections of the letters. Collated, complete with three hand-coloured plates across both volumes, two engraved title pages, a folding genealogical table and a further sixteen engraved plates. Title page and dedication to volume I are cancels as called for. With the bookplate of one Robert Moore to the front pastedown. This comprehensive set of letters is a vast source for contemporary England during the reigns of Henry VI. Edward IV and Richard III, spanning a period of nearly 100 years. It provides a fascinating insight into the views of gentry at the time and into their every-day lives. In half calf bindings. Rebound. Externally, excellent with minor shelfwear to the extremities. Front hinge to volume I is strained but firm after page viii due to tight rebinding. Front hinge to volume II is strained but firm due to tight rebind. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are generally bright with just the odd spots. Very Good Indeed.

Seller Inventory # 625L32

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Original Letters, written during the Reigns of Henry VI. Edward IV. and Richard III. By various persons of Rank of Consequence; Containing Many Curious Anecdotes, relative to that turbulent and bloody, but hitherto dark, Period of our History; and Elucidating, not only Public Matters of State, but likewise the Private Manners of the Age: Digested in Chronological Order; with Notes, Historical and Explanatory; and Authenticated by Engravings of Autographs, Fac Similes Paper-Marks, and Seals. In ...
• Publisher: G G J and J Robinson, London
• Publication Date: 1787
• Binding: Leather
• Illustrator: John Fenn
• Condition: Very Good Indeed
• Book Type: book