(London): (William Leybourn for the author), (1661). Hardcover. A book of heraldry compiled by English author and painter of arms, Sylvanus Morgan (1620 - 1693). According to Morgan, it took years to compile this work during which time was very ill, his house burnt down, and he neglected his trade as an arms-painter. It was considered by many to be pedantic and was discredited by several heralds. Allegedly it is really the work of Edward Waterhouse (1619 - 1670), English cleric and heraldic author. This copy lacks the title page, half title page, and folding plate showing the Howard pedigree. Begins with letter to the King followed by a letter to the Reader. In a later binding with pages trimmed. On some pages the edges of shields that were printed in the margins have been trimmed. Both boards are present, but detached. Heavy wear to boards and edges. Cracking to leather on spine and losses to red leather title label. Minor browning to interior, heavier along margins. Occasional smudge marks and small spots of soiling, but clean overall. Occasional short tears to page edges. Includes 32 full page engraved plates - mostly coats of arms - as well as many in text illustrations (some from plates), and geneological diagrams. Some illustrations are hand colored. With headpieces, tailpieces, and illuminated initials. A good reading copy. The First Book. Adams Shield or Nobility Native is 120 pages; The Second Book. Josephs Coat or Nobility Dative is 118 pages; The Third Book. Vulcan & Minerva or Nobility Achieved is 120 pages; The Fourth Book. The Fountain of Honor, or Nobility Created is 116 pages. A table of names for each of the books is included at the end. Size: Folio. GEN/072022. Good. More