Camden's Britannia, Newly Translated into English : With Large Additions and Improvements
London: Edmund Gibson; Printed by F. Collins, for A. Swalle, 1695. Illustrated with 50 maps (44 two-page; 2 fold-out; and 4 double fold), 9 single-page plates of British. First English language edition. Brown panelled calf, respined to match, red morocco title label. Folio. [32], cvcvi (paginated double-column), [blank], 1-1116 (paginated double-column), [blank], [18, Annals of Ireland], [24, Index], [2, Appendix]. 16" x 10" Period ink inscription ffep, sparse spots of toning throughout, fairly inconsequential chips to lower corners pp. v, 130. 3” split to fold-out map (facing p. 56), narrow 3” chip upper cream fold-out map (facing p. 1048); paneled calf worn, scratched and faded, respine very clean. Overall a very good copy with clean, crisp maps, in custom mylar cover. Item #227781
Britannia, originally penned by the esteemed historian William Camden in 1586, stands as a cornerstone of British topography and antiquarian study. Edmund Gibson’s 1695 edition revitalizes this classic work, expanding and translating Camden’s original Latin into English for broader accessibility. Gibson meticulously enriches Camden’s survey with additional notes, illustrations, and maps, bringing greater detail to the historical and geographical tapestry of Britain. This edition not only preserves Camden's remarkable insights into Roman Britain and local history but also enhances them, offering readers a deeper, more vivid understanding of the land’s storied past. A must-have for collectors and history enthusiasts, Gibson's Britannia is an essential work for anyone fascinated by Britain’s heritage.
Price: $6,500.00