Marrin's Bookshop

Synopsis

Impressions from the elaborate works of thomas simon, chief engraver of the mint to k. charles the 1st. to the commonwealth, the lord protector cromwell, and in the reign of k. charles ye iid. to mdclxv, by geo. vertue.

Item Description

FIRST EDITION. Folio. 11.75 x 9.5 inches. [1] + 3 + iv + 66 pp. Bound in fine modern quarter brown leather, gilt, over marbled board: spine in compartments with raised bands. (which should have the publication date of 1753 instead of 1665 which appears in the title). A little staining of title page, which has a neat repair in one corner and scattered foxing of margins; Withdrawn library stamp on verso of title. Final advertisement page removed by binder; otherwise a very good copy. Illustrated by 38 engraved plates, including pictorial title. Decorated by head and tailpiece vignettes. A fine collection of engravings of coins, medals and great seals from the reigns of Charles I, Charles II (Restoration to 1665) and especially the period of the Commonwealth and Protectorate. Text and all plates by George Vertue (1684-1756), antiquary and engraver, known for his numerous portrait frontispieces. Vertue celebrates the work of Thomas Simon (1623?-1665), who was chief engraver to the Royal Mint both during the Commonwealth period and in the early reign of Charles II, producing some notable images, including the Great Seal of the Commonwealth, medals of the Lord Protector, Oliver Cromwell, and the crown coin of the king.