Published by John Murray 1790. Second edition enlarged & corrected. Scarce set, Provenance Bookplate: The Library of Lord Cheylesmore. In lovely clean and sound condition overall. "Mary Queen of Scots Vindicated by John Whitaker is a three-volume work published in 1788 that defends the character and actions of Mary Stuart, the former queen of Scotland who was executed in 1587 for allegedly plotting against Elizabeth I of England. Whitaker argues that Mary was innocent of the charges against her and that she was a victim of political and religious persecution by her enemies. He also criticizes the historians who have portrayed Mary in a negative light and challenges their sources and interpretations." Tree-calf full leather. Dentelles border to cover. Contrasting gilt title to spine. Decorative gilt panels. Volume I. xix, 574 pages, [12 page Index]. Volume II. 523 pages, [10 page index]. Volume III, 625 pages, [15 page index]. "John Whitaker FSA (1735 in Manchester – 1808 in Ruan Lanihorne), was an English historian and Anglican clergyman. Besides historical studies on the Roman Empire and on the early history of Great Britain he was a reviewer for London magazines and a poet." In his 'Mary Queen of Scots vindicated,' 1787, 3 vols. 8vo, he went beyond all previous writers in defending the queen and incriminating her enemies. A second edition is dated 1790, and to the same date belongs a volume of 'Additions and Corrections.' In 1791 and 1794 he announced the 'Private Life of Mary Queen of Scots.' This was not published until George Chalmers made use of the unfinished manuscript in his life of the queen iin 1818." Shipped and insured [courier liability] by recorded delivery with UPS.