FIRST EDITION OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL HISTORY OF ENGLAND, BEAUTIFULLY BOUND BY RIVIERE

MAY, Thomas Erskine. The Constitutional History of England Since the Accession of George the Third 1760-1860. London: Longman, Green, Longman, and Roberts, 1861-63. Two volumes. Thick octavo, contemporary full tan calf, elaborately gilt-decorated spines, raised bands, brown and green morocco spine labels, marbled endpapers and edges. $1500.

First edition of this comprehensive constitutional history of England, beautifully bound by Riviere.

"A learned work… which is worthy to rank with that of Hallam, of which it is in fact a continuation" (DNB). Immensely popular in its own time, this work remains a favorite of modern scholars. HLC, 95. Rees, 238. Stephenson & Marcham, 900. CBEL III:901. Bookplates of Edward Strutt, first Baron Belper, a member of Parliament who maintained close friendships with Jeremy Bentham and James and John Stuart Mill.

Light foxing to preliminary and concluding pages, expert repairs to joints and spine ends. A beautiful near-fine set.