Liverpool: Printed by G.F. Harris's Widow and Brothers, 1817. Hardcover. This is the first edition of an interesting and monumental work that was compiled and edited by Matthew Gregson (1749-1824), who was born at Liverpool in 1749. He was many years in business as an upholsterer, and when he retired in 1814 had amassed considerable property. Although he had little education he took a deep interest in literature and science, and especially devoted attention to the collection of documentary and pictorial illustrations of the history of Lancashire. These he used in compiling his Portfolio of Fragments relative to the History and Antiquities of the County Palatine and Duchy of Lancaster, which he brought out in 1817 in three folio parts. The second and enlarged edition is dated 1824, and the third, edited and indexed by John Harland (1806–1868), a fellow antiquary specializing in Lancashire, came out in 1867. This work led to Gregson's election as a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries [Wikipedia]. In his preface, Gregson states that he did not attempt to give his materials for this book the "arrangement which the rules of historical composition require; as he has collected, so he may be said to have published, having in view the value of each individual document rather than the composition of a chain of historical events." Thus the result is a massive collection of information about the Duchy of Lancaster of every kind from textual history, to coats of arms, crowns, coronets, crests, etc. forming a useful basis for the history of that period.

Bound in marbled paper boards with three quarter leather. The boards are scraped and the corners are very rubbed. The leather is scratched and rubbed. Two of the spine labels have pieces missing. Except for occasional spotting, the interior pages are quite clean and bright. There are two fold-outs. The one at the front of the book is fine. The rear fold-out has some tears from unfolding but still of use. With bookplate of Stephen Leslie Norris and ownership signature of Jane Noble Pilkington dated Dec. 1828. Very good condition. Measures 8 x 13 inches. 302 pages plus appendix with cviii pages. ENGHIST/122820. Very Good.

Item #34746

Price: $400.00