Rushworth, John.

Second edition of part 1, first editions of parts 2-5, 5 parts in 8 volumes, folio (309 x 195mm.), volume one with portrait of Charles I and engraved double-page map by Hollar (showing England at the beginning of the Civil War and view of Prague; Pennington 543), map slightly shaved, volume 2 with portraits of King Charles I, Archbishop Laud and the Duke of Hamilton, volumes 4 and 6 with portrait of Rushworth, volume 6 with engraved plan of the Battle of Naseby by Sturt, volume 8 with engraved frontispiece of Strafford; together 8 volumes, fine eighteenth-century diced russia gilt, Aylmer arms on upper covers, gilt dentelles, marbled endpapers, speckled edges, some browning and spotting to some leaves, occasionally heavy, a few small marginal tears, minor wear to binding

The distinguished naval officer Matthew Aylmer, 1st Baron Aylmer (c.1650-1720) or his son Henry, 2nd Baron Aylmer (d.1754), armorial bookplates and arms on upper covers; 5th Earl of Rosebery, purchased from James Toovey, Bookseller, 1884

Wing R2316A, R2318, R2319

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A fine set of Rushworth's "Historical Collections", the first documentary history of the English Civil War. Rushworth began to buy and collect news pamphlets and periodicals in 1641 and from 1644 was licenser to the press with responsibility for pamphlets and newsbooks. These, along with his privileged access to council and parliamentary papers and his own notes of events to which he was an eyewitness, are important elements in his work. Rushworth worked on the Historical Collections throughout the 1650s, and only two of the four parts were published before his death in 1690.

There are two editions of the first part published in 1659. This is the second, with the epistle dedicatory to Richard, Lord Protector omitted.