[Beverley, Robert] | The earliest history of Virginia

[Beverley, Robert]

The History and Present State of Virginia, in Four Parts. London: Printed for R. Parker, 1705

8vo (191 x 115 mm). Engraved frontispiece and 14 engraved plates by S. Gribelin after De Bry, letterpress folding table; stray spots. In contemporary blind paneled sprinkled calf, spine with raised bands in 6 compartments, 2nd compartment with morocco label lettered in gilt, others with repeat gilt decoration, red speckled edges; hinges cracked, with the front hinge splitting at head and the rear hinge holding, some wear to spine with loss to gilt, light wear to boards, endpapers browned and with early ownership inscription in pencil to front pastedown.

First edition of the first published history of a British colony by a native colonist of North America. "This is the first edition of the earliest history of Virginia, after Captain John Smith's ... It was published anonymously, and is illustrated with reduced reproductions of engravings from De Bry, by Gribelin. Beverley's style is easy, unsophisticated, and pleasing ..." (Church). Born in Jamestown, Beverley was a member of the House of Burgess from 1699 until 1706 and served as the chief clerk of the Governor's Council.

REFERENCE:

Sabin 5112; Howes B410; Church 821