Small 4to. pp. [6], 34. With imprimatur leaf facing the title. Bound in 19th century marbled boards (rubbed). Re-backed in black morocco with older gilt lettered spine laid on. Bookplate depicting a baron's crown on inside front cover. Sticker removed from front end paper. Booklet is trimmed on the bottom obscuring the lower printed border line on the title page, (but not affecting any text). Plenty of space remains in the margins of the text pages. 40 sheets of 19th century blank paper are bound in the rear. Top edge gilt. The author is actually Henry Keepe writing under the pseudonym of Charles Taylour. His booklet, addressed to King James II, describes how he (Keepe) salvaged the crucifix and gold chain of Edward the Confessor from a damaged tomb at Westminster and how he later presented this treasure to the newly crowned king. The author claims that his discovery of the artifact on June 11, 1685 was a "forerunner of the Good News" that James had defeated his enemies (presumably the Duke of Monmouth). Keepe then relates three previous occasions when King Edward's body was disinterred. On each occasion the corpse was supposedly found in a miraculously uncorrupted state. These stories stand in some contrast to the author's own experience. Although Keepe stresses that the tomb's artifacts, including the gold chain and crucifix, correspond to historical accounts, he also reveals (perhaps inadvertently) that the Confessor's body was nothing but bones. Unusual and scarce piece. ESTC locates only 7 copies in the U.S. OCLC lists 5 locations. [ESTC R12288; Wing K128; Clancy, English Catholic Books, 565].

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Bibliographic Details

Title

A True and perfect narrative of the strange and unexpected finding the crucifix and gold-chain of that pious prince, St. Edward the King and Confessor, which was found. and presented to His Most Sacred Majesty, King James the Second.

Publisher

Printed by J.B. and sold by Randal Taylor, London

Publication Date

1688

Binding

Hardcover

Edition

First Edition.

Condition

See Description

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Religion and Philosophy

Store Description

Robert McDowell Antiquarian Books specializes in early printed European books (15th-18th century), early travel, history, occultism, unusual imprints etc.

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Robert McDowell Antiquarian Books
MA, U.S.A.

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