"THE INCOMPARABLE ARMOURY" (SIR WALTER SCOTT): FIRST EDITION OF MEYRICK'S ANTIENT ARMOUR, WITH 70 MAGNIFICENT HAND-COLORED FOLIO PLATES
MEYRICK, Samuel Rush. A Critical Inquiry into Antient Armour, As It Existed in Europe, But Particularly in England, from the Norman Conquest to the Reign of King Charles II, with a Glossary of Military Terms of the Middle Ages. London: Robert Jennings, 1824. Three volumes. Folio (11-1/2 by 15-1/2 inches), contemporary three-quarter crimson morocco, elaborately gilt-decorated spines, raised bands, black morocco spine labels, marbled boards and endpapers, all edges gilt.
First edition of Meyrick's beautifully illustrated work on arms and armor, in three folio volumes with 70 richly hand-colored plates, ten etched plates, and 27 brightly illuminated and hand-colored historiated initials. "Practically the first on the subject… [one that] remains an authority."
Antient Armor established noted English collector Samuel Meyrick as the leading authority on the topic. He was asked to arrange the national collection of arms and armor in the Tower of London and, at the behest of George IV, at Windsor Castle. The text that accompanies Meyrick's splendid illustrations is still valued as a primary source on the history and evolution of European armor. Includes a glossary of military terms. Each volume with engraved and letterpress title pages.
Only occasional spots of foxing, text and plates clean, hand-coloring vibrant. Contemporary morocco-gilt bindings with expert restoration. A handsome copy of this fascinating work.