BATTELY, John (1647-1708)

[Antiquitates Rutupinae] [Antiquities of Richborough] Joannis Battely S.T.P. Archidiaconi Cantuariensis opera posthuma. Viz. Antiquitates Rutupinæ et Antiquitates S. Edmundi Burgi ad annum 1272 perductæ

Oxoniæ [Oxford]: e theatro Sheldoniano, MDCCXLV [1745]. First Edition thus. Quarter-Calf. Two works bound in one, each with half-title and title page, registration, and pagination. Text in Latin (an English translation, in octavo, appeared in 1774). 4to: [12],138,[4]; [4],164pp, with 16 plates (including seven folding and one double-page) and four vignettes. Modern calf-backed brown linen, spine in six compartments divided by raised bands, second compartment titled direct in gilt, tan end papers (renewed). A spectacular, wide-margined (perhaps large paper) copy, crisp and clean throughout, with strong impressions of the plates. Anderson (British Topography), p. 145. Upcott I, pp. 429-30. Lowndes, p. 130 ("an elegant posthumous discourse"). Cox III, p. 469. Fine. Item #BB1888

These two works, beautifully illustrated, together represent the span of Battely's historical interests, ranging geographically from Suffolk to Kent. The first work, ’Antiquitates Rutupinæ,’ a consideration of the Roman antiquities and ancient stations of Thanet,and Richborough (Rutupiae), in Kent, is cast as a series of four dialogues between Battely and Henry Wharton and Henry Maurice, two fellow chaplains at Lambeth Palace. This Second Edition was edited by the author's nephew Oliver Battely. John Battely had readied for publication the second work, his projected history of the Abbey of St. Edmundsbury, only as far as the death of Henry III, in 1272, at his death in 1708. It was finally published, with an appendix and a list of the abbots provided by Sir James Burroughs, again by Battley's nephew Oliver, in 1745, in this edition. N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed. (Fine Editions Ltd is a member of the Independent Online Booksellers Association, and we subscribe to its codes of ethics.).

Price: $326.00