Twine Thomas (2 results)

Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. London: F. Gyles, Woodman and Lyon, C. Davis, 1729. Title-page continues as follows: In which are several pieces of Taliessin, an antient British poet, and a defence of the antiquity of the Scottish nation: with many other antiquities, never before published in the English tongue; with a compleat index to the wholeto which is added The Breviary of Britayne, written in Latin by Humfrey Lluydand lately Englished by Thomas Twine. [vi]+71p.+251p.+[22p.]+52p.+[34p.]. The first 71 pages contain the author's introduction and Lhuyd's Welsh preface to the glossography, translated into English. The 52-page Breviary is misnumbered, lacking pp. 9-12 ad 33-34, but the text is complete, and is preceded by a dedication by the translator to Edward Deviere, a translator's preface, several pieces of poetry praising the author and the translator, a 4-page index to the Breviary, and a further dedication by Lluyd to Abraham Ortelius. Finally, the Breviary is followed by a 2-page glossary of Welsh words and a 32-page index to the History. The whole book is in very good condition internally. Bound in full tree calf, six raised bands to spine, boards somewhat worn at extremities, with gilt fillets largely lost. Spine label faded. On the title-page verso is affixed the bookplate of the Right Hon. Charles Viscount Bruce of Ampthill. This work was intended to defend the traditional history of Wales, to correct statements made by Camden, and to vindicate Geoffrey of Monmouth.

Hardcover. Condition: Very good. First edition. Folio. (vi),251,(xxi),52,(xxxvi)pp. Title page in red and black. Beautifully printed on laid paper with ample margins. Engraved head and tail pieces; index. Contemporary full calf; spine in 7 compartments with raised bands. Old theological college stamp on the front blank. Edges and spine tips worn; hinges neatly repaired; lettering label perished; else a very good copy and near fine internally. The first and only edition of John Lewis's History, written in the early part of the 17th century but not published until 1729. Contains a considerable amount of material on King Arthur (pp. 179-200). The main history is followed by Lhuyd's Breviary of Britayne in the translation of Thomas Twine. Rare and important. No doubt written to defend the traditional history of Wales against such critics as Polydore Vergil, to correct some statements made by Camden, and to vindicate Geoffrey of Monmouth, Lewis' History was edited by Hugh Thomas, the Brecknock genealogist and historian , who made some 'Additions' to the original work. ESTC T113293. Lowndes, p. 1352. Allibone, I, 1091.