The History of the Rebellion and Civil Wars in England, Begun in the Year 1641

London: At the Theatre, 1731-1732 . Leather. Very Good. 9.5" by 6". Not Stated. edition The complete first illustrated edition of Edward Hyde's important first-hand account and history of the English Civil War, an essential historical resource on the period. An impressive edition of statesman, lawyer, diplomat and historian Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon's exhaustive account of the history of English rebellions and civil wars. First published between 1702 and 1704, this is the first illustrated edition of the work.Illustrated with eighty seven plates, including a portrait frontispiece to each volume, and with four folding plates and three folding maps. Collated, complete.ESTC Citation No. N7606. With volume I dated 1732, and the remaining volumes dated 1731, as called for.The work expresses Hyde's own views of the Royalist strategies used in the war; despite being a Royalist himself, Hyde was severe in his judgments of both the Royalist commanders and the Parliament commanders. As Charles II was attempting to regain the throne, Hyde joined him, and he soon became his chief advisor and Lord Chancellor. It was his opinion that the fatal flaw of the Stuart monarchs was letting their sound judgement be swayed and corrupted by their favourites within court, a view he expresses in these volumes.With the bookplate of lawyer and book collector David Stather to each front pastedown, alongside the bookplate of Victor Hilton of Pencombe Hall.With volume I, Part I, volume II, Part I, and volume III, Part I retaining original half titles.A lovely edition of this detailed account of the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, from a key player of the events covered. In full calf bindings, with gilt detailing to back strips. Vol I rebacked to spine tail, with original back strip restored, retaining original endpapers. Head and tail of volume II, III, IV, V and VI back strip rebacked, with original back strips laid down, retaining original endpapers. Bookplates to front pastedowns. Internally, firmly bound. Pages bright, with instances of spotting and discolouration to page perimeters. Very Good