Details
[ANSTIS, John (1669-1744).] The Register of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, from its Cover in Black Velvet, Usually called The Black Book. London: John Barber, 1724.
2 volumes, 2o (403 x 257 mm). Engraved frontispiece to each volume, engraved vignettes as head and tail pieces, 13 engraved plates, including 2 double-page. (Some scattered foxing.) Contemporary English speckled calf, spines gilt, red morocco lettering pieces (lacking lettering pieces to vol. 1, joints cracked). Provenance: The Grove (armorial bookplate).
FIRST EDITION. "Glover, Camden and Dugdale are formidable names, yet it may be questioned whether Anstis did not in strictly heraldic learning surpass them all. In perusing his manuscript remains one is constantly astonished at the breadth and depth of his scholarship and his mastery of a vast range of primary sources" (Wagner Heralds of England, p. 318). His reputation was established by the present publication, though only these two volumes appeared out of a projected eight, which he undertook at his own expense of £1,000, and of which he only recovered about half. Moule 477. (2)
2 volumes, 2
FIRST EDITION. "Glover, Camden and Dugdale are formidable names, yet it may be questioned whether Anstis did not in strictly heraldic learning surpass them all. In perusing his manuscript remains one is constantly astonished at the breadth and depth of his scholarship and his mastery of a vast range of primary sources" (Wagner Heralds of England, p. 318). His reputation was established by the present publication, though only these two volumes appeared out of a projected eight, which he undertook at his own expense of £1,000, and of which he only recovered about half. Moule 477. (2)