Histoire d’Angleterre by Paul de Rapin de Thoyras, 1733-1737 — 10 folio volumes

Description

Rare complete set in ten folio volumes of Paul de Rapin de Thoyras’s Histoire d’Angleterre, published in French in The Hague between 1733 and 1737. This extensive historical survey traces the history of England from its origins to the reign of George I, covering in particular the monarchy, parliamentary government, revolutions, the interregnum, Cromwell’s republic and the Stuart restoration.

The edition was published by Chrétien Van Lom, Jean Van Duren and Pierre de Hondt, printers and booksellers, with the privilege of the States of Holland and West Friesland. The first volume has a distinct title page and contains four large original folding plates depicting historical scenes, views or maps. Volumes II to X have uniform title pages printed in red and black; the set also includes numerous headpieces, decorative initials and tailpieces and, depending on the volume, maps or engravings.

The ten volumes retain their contemporary calf bindings. Early handwritten annotations, including an ex-libris and notes in Latin, appear on the title pages. The folding plates in volume I are present, with some creases from use. The set is in good overall condition: occasional rubbing to headcaps and corners, some foxing; the pages remain generally clean and legible.