A Short History of Freemasonry to 1730, Douglas Knoop and G. P. Jones — 1st Ed
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Publication: Manchester, Manchester University Press, 1940
Formatting: 8vo, pp. N/A.
Condition Report: Good. The original blue cloth binding remains structurally sound but exhibits moderate shelf-wear, notably rubbing to the extremities and slight bumping to the corners. The spine is visibly sun-faded, with further rubbing and minor fraying at the head and tail, and the text block has a slight forward lean. Internally, the pages present well, though there is some light foxing and spotting to the preliminary leaves, endpapers, and fore-edge. The binding remains reasonably tight, ensuring a perfectly readable and serviceable copy despite the external cosmetic wear.
Catalogue Note: This is a First Edition of Knoop and Jones's scholarly survey, published in 1940. Issued in standard publisher's cloth without embellishment, it is typical of the press's wartime-era academic outputs. The book features a previous owner's ink signature, "R. E. Parkinson," inscribed on the front free endpaper.
Unillustrated and focused on academic rigor, this true first edition has become quite uncommon on the open market, sought after by collectors of masonic history for its foundational research.
A classic text in the study of early masonic history, A Short History of Freemasonry to 1730 provides a comprehensive and accessible survey of the operative and early speculative phases of the craft. Esteemed academics Douglas Knoop and G. P. Jones break down the complex origins of freemasonry, tracing its development up to the pivotal year of 1730. This book remains an essential resource for anyone looking to understand the historical bedrock upon which modern freemasonry was built.
Book Condition: Good
Book Authors: Douglas Knoop, G. P. Jones
Book Publisher: Manchester University Press
Book Language: English
Narrative Type: Non-Fiction
Genre: History
Book edition: First Edition
Signed: No
Book Pages:
Book Publication Year: 1940
Book Publication Date:
Book Binding: Hardcover
Illustrator: N/A
Book Series: N/A
Country/region of manufacture: Manchester, United Kingdom
Book Dimensions:
Book Condition Guide
| Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| New | A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage. |
| As New | The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years. |
| Fine | The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked. |
| Near Fine | The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition. |
| Very Good | The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present. |
| Good | A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy. |
| Fair | A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity. |
| Poor | A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance. |
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