Details
LESLEY, John (1527-1596). De Origine Moribus, et Rebus Gestis Scotorum libri decem. Rome: in aedibus Populi Romani, 1578.
4° (220 x 163mm.). Double-page engraved map (a little spotted and with small tear at fold), 9 full-page engraved illustrations (genealogical tables of the Royal Scottish line), one half-page illustration of the Royal Scottish arms. (Some light browning, spotting and dampstaining.) Old limp vellum (spine torn, inner hinges broken). Provenance: Rome, Jesuits (17th-century inscription).
FIRST EDITION of the Catholic Bishop of Ross' most important work, it 'was originally written in part in the Scottish language during 1568-70... for the perusal of Queen Mary, to whom it was presented in 1571... The Latin edition... extends from the earliest times to the end of period embraced in the Scottish edition... Copies... are rare... The earlier part of the work is an epitome of Major and Boece; the description of the counties and islands is, however, to a considerable extent founded on independent observation and information; the latter portion, treating of the period from 1436 to 1562... is much more detailed than the earlier part of the work, and is of great value as a catholic account of the events with which the bishop was himself personally acquainted.' D.N.B.
4° (220 x 163mm.). Double-page engraved map (a little spotted and with small tear at fold), 9 full-page engraved illustrations (genealogical tables of the Royal Scottish line), one half-page illustration of the Royal Scottish arms. (Some light browning, spotting and dampstaining.) Old limp vellum (spine torn, inner hinges broken). Provenance: Rome, Jesuits (17th-century inscription).
FIRST EDITION of the Catholic Bishop of Ross' most important work, it 'was originally written in part in the Scottish language during 1568-70... for the perusal of Queen Mary, to whom it was presented in 1571... The Latin edition... extends from the earliest times to the end of period embraced in the Scottish edition... Copies... are rare... The earlier part of the work is an epitome of Major and Boece; the description of the counties and islands is, however, to a considerable extent founded on independent observation and information; the latter portion, treating of the period from 1436 to 1562... is much more detailed than the earlier part of the work, and is of great value as a catholic account of the events with which the bishop was himself personally acquainted.' D.N.B.