The History of the Holy War, Thomas Fuller

The History of the Holy War, Thomas Fuller

£175.00
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The History of the Holy War, Thomas Fuller

The History of the Holy War, Thomas Fuller

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£175.00

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Publication: London, William Pickering, 1840.

Formatting: 8vo, pp. [viii], 340.

Condition Report: Good. This copy is bound in handsome contemporary tree calf, featuring an elegant gilt-rolled border to the boards and a spine with raised bands, gilt compartments, and a dark leather title label. The binding remains structurally sound and the text block is firm, though it warrants this grade due to noticeable splitting and cracking to the leather along the upper joint, alongside chipping to the head of the spine and minor rubbing to the extremities. Internally, the pages exhibit some scattered light foxing, most prominent to the preliminary leaves, but generally remain bright and clean, beautifully complemented by vibrant peacock-patterned marbled endpapers and matching page edges.

Catalogue Note: This 1840 edition marks the first William Pickering publication of Thomas Fuller's classic work. Printed by Charles Whittingham at the Chiswick Press, this text is widely considered the first modern account of the Crusades in English.

The book is adorned with striking decorative woodcut headpieces and tailpieces, as well as Pickering’s iconic Aldine anchor and dolphin printer's device on the title page. The front free endpaper bears the neat ink ownership inscription of Granville Garley, dated 15th August 1958, Torquay.

While later Pickering reprints of Fuller's theological writings occasionally surface, copies of this 1840 Holy War bound in contemporary full calf are uncommon on the open market. This presents a scarce opportunity for collectors of fine nineteenth-century bindings and early modern historiography alike.

Thomas Fuller's The History of the Holy War provides a detailed, captivating, and highly readable chronicle of the Crusades, from the initial capture of Jerusalem to the late thirteenth century. First published in 1639, Fuller's historical narrative is celebrated for its wit, critical commentary, and vivid prose. This beautiful nineteenth-century revival by William Pickering ensures Fuller’s rich historical tapestries are preserved in an elegant, finely printed format.

Book Condition: Good

Book Authors: Thomas Fuller

Book Publisher: William Pickering

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Antiquarian

Genre: History

Book edition:

Signed: No

Book Pages:

Book Publication Year: 1840

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Leather

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: London, United Kingdom

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

We stock thousands of books in a wide range of conditions. To make things clear and to help you know exactly what to expect, Please refer to these condition categories to understand the condition of the book you will receive.
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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