c1642 The Historie of the Holy Warre; The Holy State

Description

Early Edition, First Edition, Leather Binding, Rebound, Scarce

Two important works from English churchman and historian Thomas Fuller bound together in a half calf binding. 

The first of these two works is 'The Historie of the Holy Warre', a narrative and analysis of the Crusades that combines detailed accounts of events with moral reflections and geographical notes.

This copy lacks the frontispiece, letterpress title page, and engraved title page, which bear the edition statement. Each of the first four editions of this work, from the 1639 first edition to the 1651 fourth edition, bear the same register, and thus the exact edition cannot be determined. While the second work in this volume was published in 1642, and that date is provided to the back strip, no edition of this first work was published in that year.

With the register: B-2D4, 2E6, 2F-2M4, 2N5, 2O-2P4, 2Q6. Lacking frontispiece, engraved title page, and letterpress title page, and the following leaf [A4]. Lacking also leaf 2N6, which is a blank.

Former owner's inscription dated 1918 to head of leaf B.

The second work is the scarce 1642 first edition of 'The Holy State', a conduct book blending moral instruction with vivid character sketches, offering practical guidance for virtuous living while contrasting it with examples of vice and folly.

Illustrated with an engraved title page and engraved plate of the Prince of Wales' feathers, with vignette portraits within the text. Lacking the two portrait plates, of Queen Joan of Naples and Joan of Arc.

With a separate title page for the second part of the work, 'The Profane State'. Pagination and register are continuous.

ESTC R21710

With the register: A-P4, Q6, R-3G4, 3H6, 3I4, 3K3. Lacking leaf 3K4, a blank.

Rebound in half calf, endpapers renewed, lacking all original blanks.

Two impressive mid 17th century works from Thomas Fuller, best known for his 'Worthies of England'.