John Slezer | Theatrum Scotiae, 1693, contemporary panelled calf gilt

John Slezer

Theatrum Scotiae, containing the prospects of their Majesties castles and palaces: together with those of the most considerable towns and colleges, the ruins of many ancient abbeys, churches, monasteries and convents, within the said kingdom. London: John Leake for the author, 1693

folio (439 x 278mm.), title printed in red and black with engraved armorial, engraved armorials, half-title to "The Prospects" misbound at end of preliminaries (offsetting from this can be seen on the final verso of the text), 57 double-page engraved plates, 3 additional plates of Edinburgh, a palace and Glamis Castle (two bound after plate one, the latter bound at the end), with final leaf "The end of the prospects", contemporary panelled calf gilt, spine gilt in compartments with red morocco lettering-piece, additional plate of Edinburgh creased, a few other small marginal tears, binding rubbed, joints cracked

FIRST EDITION OF THE FIRST PICTORIAL SURVEY OF SCOTLAND. Slezer was an engineer in the Scottish army; the inclusion of Bass Rock alongside palaces and castles presumably reflects his work surveying fortifications.

LITERATURE

ESTC R187144 (listing 7 copies)