New Acquisitions Spring 2022 – 6 – Bauman Rare Books First Edition, First Issue, Of Bacon’s 1622 Henry The Seventh 6. BACON, Francis, Lord Verulam. The Historie of the Raigne of King Henry the Seventh. London, 1622. Small folio, late 19th-century full speckled brown calf gilt. $6200. First edition, first issue, of Bacon’s influential history, with elaborate woodcut title page and engraved frontispiece portrait of Henry VII by John Payne, handsomely bound. Written shortly after James I procured his release from the Tower of London, Bacon’s Historie set a new standard for accuracy in regards to the life of James’ royal ancestor. “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” (DNB). “The only part that was ever completed… it has entitled Bacon to be ranked with those other English statesmen-historians, More and Clarendon” (Pforzheimer 32). Scarce first edition, first issue, with “souldiers” (3, line 12) and all seven errata uncorrected. STC 1159. Gibson 116a. A handsomely bound wide-margined volume in fine condition. “He was a wise man, and an excellent King; and yet the times were rough.”
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