Fabyan, Robert

2 volumes in one, folio (284 x 190mm.), woodcut architectural title-page border with printer's initials at the base of the two columns (McKerrow & Ferguson 20), border repeated for separate title-page of volume 2 (which has separate pagination), black letter, double columns, woodcut initials, late eighteenth-century red morocco gilt, all edges gilt, marbled endpapers, eighteenth-century inscription at the head of verso of final leaf (referring to the praise of this work by "Osborne in his Catalogue in 1738/9..."), above traces of earlier annotations, general title page washed, repaired and faded, a few other tears, occasional staining (particularly at beginning and end), minor worming at the beginning, 2P5 at the end of volume 2 torn with loss at lower corner, upper hinge repaired at some point, corners of binding bumped with upper corner of upper cover partially broken

[earlier ownership signature on title partially obscured]; "D[uke] of Grafton", ownership inscription dated 1787 on title page, sale, Evans, 6 June 1815

STC 10660

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when 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."

The second edition of Fabyan's Newe Croncyles (the first had appeared in 1516), but the first to bear the attribution to Fabyan. The chronicleer was the first to cite his medieval sources, which included Bede, William of Malmesbury, Ranulf Higden and Henry of Huntingdon, among many others including the records of the City of London. Written in seven parts, each celebrating a joy of the Virgin Mary, it is the first London chronicle to extend a localized history to a more general account of England and France. Furthermore the work is "unique in marking a shift from history as a literary representation of the visual...to history as a truly literary form. The comparison of different sources throughout the chronicle, and the importance placed on developing historical themes, are further indications of a changed perspective. It is through The Newe Cronycles that the London chronicle tradition was transmitted to the later English renaissance writers." (Oxford DNB)