early history and guide to London

John Stow (1525?-1605), chronicler and antiquary, formed a considerable collection of documents, charters and manuscripts relating to English history and was part of the first flowering of antiquarianism in the circle that included Camden, Lambard and Fleetwood. This was to be 'his last great publication... embodying a lifetime of loving observation and research in his native city... Stow was obviously a most important figure in the story of Elizabethan historical publishing, and the continued reprints of his work reflect this' (H.S. Bennett, English Books and Readers, 1558-1603, p.217).

His survey begins with a discussion of the antiquity of the city. After treating of major features, London Bridge, the Thames, the city wall, towers, castles and gates, he processes through the metropolis by wards. He also describes the ancient sports and games of London as well as parish churches, hospitals and leper houses. The work provides 'an exhaustive and invaluable record of Elizabethan London' (ODNB).

Our copy dated 'secundo die February 1617' in pen to the upper-margin of the title-page.

Third edition; small 4to (18 x 14.5 cm); pen inscription to title upper margin, couple of pages of the Epistle dedicatory with ink splashes (causing minor loss of text), light old browning pages 940-957, pages 951 - 976 intermittently shaved close at head, last leaf with small repairs to inner margin (not affecting text), modern contemporary style blind-stamped calf by Bernard Middleton, overall this is a very pleasing example which opens well throughout, a near-fine copy; [12], 20, [4], 21-980, [4]pp.

ESTC S117891; Wing 23344.