1676 Samme's Antiquities of Britain, First Edition

Northern Europe, England, London, ca. 1676 CE. Written by Aylett Sammes (1636 to 1679). A fascinating book with the title of "Britannia Antiqua Illustrata: or, the Antiquities of Ancient Britain, derived from the Phoenicians: wherein the original trade of this island is discovered, the names of places, offices, dignities, as likewise the idolatry, language, and customs of the primitive inhabitants are clearly demonstrated from that nation, many old monuments illustrated, and the commerce with that people, as well as the Greeks, plainly set forth and collected out of approved Greek and Latin authors; together with a chronological history of this kingdom, from the first traditional beginning, until the year of our Lord 800, when the name of Britain was changed into England; faithfully collected out of the best authors, and disposed in a better method that hitherto hath been done; with the antiquities of the Saxons, as well as Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans. The First Volume," written by Aylett Sammes. Size: 2.25" L x 9.375" W x 14.125" H (5.7 cm x 23.8 cm x 35.9 cm)

Comprised of 582 pages, the intriguing codex was published in London by Thomas Roycroft for the author. The codex is fit with a leather cover and adorned with a 2-page map of Europe, 13 in-text figures, and 12 stunning engravings, depicting a druid, the wicker image, a person of the Bretanick Islands, the battles, Heus, the Hieraglyphicks, Ogmius, Julius Caesar, Drusus Claudius Caesar, Boadicia, Woden-Thor-Friga, and Rugyvith-Porevith-Porenuth-Suantovite. Though the first page is embellished with a few words printed in red ink, the remainder of the book is printed in black.

Provenance: private J. P. collection, Rye, Colorado, USA; ex-Bill Buffinger collection, Hollywood, California, USA, before 2000

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#166154
Condition Report: Wonderfully clear watermark of a coat of arms with the words "DVAVI LEGEARI" on page opposite title. Notes throughout from previous owners. A few miniscule tears to peripheries of first and last pages. Light staining to some pages. Surface wear to cover. Otherwise, intact and excellent.