Lot 27
  • 27

Magna Carta--Whittaker, John

Estimate
1,500 - 2,000 GBP
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Description

  • Magna Carta Regis Johannis XV. Die Junii Anno Regni XVII. A.D. MCCXV. John Whittaker, 1816
  • gold on card
  • 563mm by 467mm
broadsheet folio (436 x 340mm), PRINTED IN GOLD on card, first page of text with border floral illuminations, text on rectos only, 11 leaves of text (without dedication, names of the Barons, or Conventio inter Regis Johannem et Barones), contemporary maroon morocco gilt with diced cloth onlays and black morocco lettering piece, gilt doublures, silk endpapers, binding scuffed and stained, splitting at hinges

Literature

Lowndes, II, p.1450; R. Thomson, Historical Essay on the Magna Carta of King John (1829), pp.458-60

Catalogue Note

"THE MOST MAGNIFICENT OF ALL EDITIONS OF THE MAGNA CARTA" (Lowndes). It was printed by John Whittaker to demonstrate his newly invented process of printing in burnished gold letters. Copies vary considerably: some were printed on vellum and on satin, others have a dedication, additional text, and portraits.