The Historie of the Raigne of King Henry the Seventh.

BACON, Sir Francis.

$5,500.00

Item Number: 114526

London: Printed by Stansby for Matthew Lownes and William Barret, 1622.

Scarce first edition, first issue of Sir Francis Bacon’s influential history of the reign of King Henry VII with “Highnesse” at the conclusion of the dedication and “souldiers” (3, line 12) (Pforzheimer 32; STC 1159). Quarto, bound in three quarters calf over marbled boards with tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised bands, red morocco spine label lettered in gilt, all edges red, woodcut frontispiece portrait of Henry VII, elaborate architectural borders to the title page, woodcut headpieces and initials. From the library of book collector Frederick Spiegelberg with his bookplate to the pastedown. In near fine condition, exceptionally clean internally.

Published shortly after the end of his career as Lord Chancellor and release from the Tower of London, Bacon's Historie set a new standard for historical accuracy, particularly in regards to its subject. “None of the histories which had been written before conveyed any idea either of the distinctive character of [Henry VII] or the real business of his reign. Every history that has been written since has derived all its light from this, and followed its guidance in every question of importance; and the additional materials which come to light from time to time, and enable us to make many corrections in the history of the events, only serve to confirm and illustrate the truth of its interpretation of them” (DNB).