THE MATERIAL WORLD OF A RESTORATION QUEEN CONSORT - The Privy Purse Accounts of Catherine of Braganza (Lincoln Record Society Volume 112)

First impression of the true first edition. Published as Volume 112 of The Lincoln Record Society. With some monochrome illustrations within the text. ***A virtually fine copy in cream textured cloth-covered boards with black titles to the spine and front board. The boards are clean and unmarked, and the page block edges are clean. Corners sharp. No reading lean to the binding. Spine tight. Internally also virtually fine with no inscriptions and no marks - no creases or tears. Pages white and bright - printed on nice quality paper. ***In a virtually fine illustrated black printed dustwrapper. The dustwrapper is complete, with no discernible faults - no creases, chips or tears. No fading. Dustwrapper bright and crisp. ***x-pages of prelims plus 529 pages, including a 59-page Introduction. 240mm x 160mm. ***Contents: List of illustrations, Acknowledgements, Abbreviations, Introduction, Transcripts, Catherine of Braganza's itinerary, Glossary, Bibliography, Index. ***'This book provides you with the chance to explore the world of Catherine of Braganza, the Portuguse wife of Charles II, by the means of a full typescript of the surviving four volumes of her privy purse accounts. The accounts offer a glimpse of key events in Charles II's reign including the plague in 1665 and the Great Fire of London in 1666. They also reveal how Catherine spent her money.' (Quote taken from the front flap of the dustwrapper) ***'Catherine of Braganza (25 Nov 1638 - 31 Dec 1705) was Queen of England, Scotland and Ireland during her marriage to King Charles II, which lasted from 21 May 1662 until his death on 6 February 1685. She was the daughter of John IV of Portugal, who became the first king from the House of Braganza in 1640, after overthrowing the 60-year rule of the Spanish Habsburgs over Portugal. Catherine served as the regent of Portugal during the absence of her brother Peter II in 1701, and again in 1704–1705, after her return to her homeland as a widow. Owing to her devotion to the Roman Catholic faith in which she had been raised, just like her mother-in-law, Catherine was unpopular in England. She was a special object of attack by the inventors of the Popish Plot. In 1678 the murder of Edmund Berry Godfrey was ascribed to her servants, and Titus Oates accused her of an intention to poison the king. These charges, the absurdity of which was soon shown by cross-examination, nevertheless placed Catherine for some time in great danger. On 28 November 1678, Oates accused Catherine of high treason, and the English House of Commons passed an order for the removal of her and of all Roman Catholics from the Palace of Whitehall. Several further depositions were made against her, and in June 1679 it was decided that she should stand trial, which threat however was lifted by the king's intervention, for which she later showed him much gratitude. Catherine of Braganza is often credited with popularising the custom of drinking tea in England' (Wiki) ***A fascinating historical first edition in virtually fine condition, nicely produced and printed using quality cream acid-free paper. Of interest to scholars and historians of the life of Catherine of Braganza and Charles II, and of the social history of the Restoration period of British history. ***For all our books, postage is charged at cost, allowing for packaging: any shipping rates indicated on ABE are an average only: we will reduce the P & P charge where appropriate - please contact us for postal rates for heavier books and sets etc.…