[Niccols], London's artillery, London, 1616, contemporary limp vellum gilt

[NICCOLS, RICHARD]

Londons Artillery, briefly containing the noble practise of that wothie Societie: with the moderne and ancient martiall exercises, natures of armes, vertue of Magistrates, Antiquitie, Glorie and Chronography of this honourable Cittie. London: for William Welby, 1616

4to (181 x 135mm.), woodcut initials and headpieces, contemporary limp vellum gilt, some ink-spotting, browning, vellum worn 

Richard Niccols (1583/4-1616) was a poet and literary editor. He sailed with the Earl of Nottingham in the fleet of Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, which eventually captured Cadiz in 1596.

This present work "dedicated to John Jolles, Lord Mayor of London, appears to have been written after Prince Charles had reviewed the volunteers of London in the artillery ground. It consists of a versified history of London's defences, and owes much to the principal Elizabethan historians William Camden, John Stow, and Raphael Holinshed" (ODNB).

LITERATURE:

ESTC S113204; STC 18522

PROVENANCE:

Thomas Francis Fremantle, armorial bookplate