The Diary of Ralph Thoresby, F.R.S. Author of the Topography of Leeds (1677-1724)

The first edition of the diary of noted Leeds antiquarian, Ralph Thoresby, complete in two calf-bound volumes. First edition, published from the original manuscript by the Rev. Joseph Hunter.Complete in two volumes.Uniformly bound in half calf, with marbled boards and red morocco spine labels. Bound with half title to Volume II.Engraved portrait frontispiece to Volume I.Ralph Thoresby is widely credited with being the first historian of Leeds, noted for his topographical publications and for his museum - an object of curiosity to strangers visiting the city.He kept a diary for many years throughout his life, from the age of eighteen, when he was sent to the house of a relation in London as part of his grooming merchant. The present pair was collected from the remainder of his correspondence and diary and edited by Unitarian Minister and antiquarian, Joseph Hunter.This set was presented to the Yorkshire Club, York, by the Rev. H. J. Torre, with the bookplates dated March 1900. Uniformly bound in half calf, with marbled boards and red morocco spine labels.Externally, rubbed, with marks and dark spots to the leather. Presentation bookplate to the Yorkshire Club, York, presented by the Rev. H. J. Torre, dated March 1900, to the front paste downs. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are generally bright and clean, with scattered spotting largely concentrated to the front and rear of the volumes. Bookplate of one R. E. W. Madison, Philosophiae Doctor to the front free endpapers. Good.…