Grafton, Richard

8vo (5 1/4 x 3 3/8 in.; 133 x 86 mm). Text in black letter, metal cut initials; some headline shaved, side-notes shaved or cropped throughout, light browning and dampstaining, lacking final blank 2C4. A handsome retrospective calf binding, covers triple-filleted and stamped in blind with an oval strapwork tool, surrounded by the alpha and omega (top and bottom) and letters "G" and "P" (left and right) in gilt, board edges ruled in gilt, edges stained red, cotton ties; covers spotted. 

STC 12151; ESTC 122606

A later edition of Grafton's history, which he compiled and first published in 1563 while in prison for having printed a proclamation on the accession of Lady Jane Grey and identified himself in it as "printer to the Queen."  As evidenced by his notice to the reader in the present work, Grafton continued his battle with John Stow over their rival chronicles after Stow justifiably accused Grafton of copying his work. In the Chronicle at Large (1568–9), he is the earliest writer known to refer in print to Edward of Woodstock (Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, Prince of Aquitaine) as the "Black Prince." The origins of the name remain uncertain: Grafton said he had found it in other writers, but gave no further explanation.