Sharp James Symson David (1 results)

Small 8vo, pp lx, 25-158, contemporary calf backed marbled boards, the spine neatly and professionally renewed without lettering piece but with raised bands retaining original endpapers, lightly browned but very good, FIRST EDITION, the sole printing of this 'impartial account' of the highly controversial pro monarchy Primate who came at last to an unfortunate end when he was murdered in 1679. The title page continues ' with a short, but faithful narrative of his execrable murder, taken from publick records, original letters, and other manuscripts : with a preface, wherein a clear discovery is made of the malicious falsehoods contained in some late scandalous books and pamphlets, concerning that affair : to both which is subjoined an appendix, containing copies of such papers as are therein referred to.'. Since doubt and speculation surrounds details of both Sharp's life and his death this short biography provides a valuable addition to the earlier literature, as well as being very scarce. This copy bears a 1741 endpaper ownership of one J Clayton, presented by William Stirling, Armiger, of Northside, Glasgow; with a note by Clayton ' A curious, judicious & impartial account.' Scott's 'Old Mortality' centres around the Scottish Covenanters of the 17th Century and this title was probably known to Scott.