Gilbert Burnet - Bishop Burnet's History of His Own Time - 1818

Charming four-volume set. As the only narrative covering England and Scotland from Charles II to Queen Anne written by someone both positioned to observe and capable of influencing events. “Ever since its appearance, Bishop Burnet’s History has provoked controversy… it sold well, each volume going through multiple editions” (ODNB). Full tan calf, gilt raised bands and morocco spine labels; spines rubbed. Select annotations, foxing throughout; vol 1 with tear p.63, vol 2 with tear and repair p.47. While Burnet has been critiqued for overstating his own importance, his dual roles in public affairs and as an author provide substantial historical truth, making this set a cornerstone for the study of this period.

vol 1: lxiv, 451 pp., vol 2: [8], 467 pp., vol 3: [8], 385 pp., vol 4: [8], 436 pp.