Samuel Rawson Gardiner — Oliver Cromwell

London, Goupil & Co. 1899. First edition. Leather. An out of series copy of the limited, first edition of Gardiner's significant and extensive illustrated account of general Oliver Cromwell. An important and comprehensive biography of English general and statesman Oliver Cromwell, who led the armies of the Parliament of England against King Charles I during the English Civil War. He then ruled the British Isles as Lord Protector from 1635 to 1658. The first limited edition of 1899 of one thousand four hundred and seventy five copies printed on fine paper. This copy is an out of series presentation copy inscribed in ink 'Presentation Copy' to the limitation page.  Written by Samuel Rawson Gardiner, historian specialising in the seventeenth century England and the English Civil War. The present volume comprises a significant evaluation of the person behind the controversial general, who is often seen either as a revolutionary or a tyrant. Gardiner explores the life of Cromwell as well as his political legacy. Despite the author was a descendant of Cromwell, this biography is mostly unbiased, presenting a great selection of material and opinions of many of Gardiner's contemporaries.Illustrated with thirty-four full page plates, the frontispiece is in colour, as well as other illustrations in text. Collated, complete. With the original wraps bound in with the volume. From the library at Julian Park, Hertfordshire, belonging to Audrey Pleydell-Bouverie. Audrey was the youngest daughter of an Anglo-American lumber and steel millionaire, sister to Edward James, a key figure in the Surrealist movement, and the illegitimate granddaughter of King Edward VII. She was an English socialite known for her beauty and for charming various wealthy men, she was included in The Book of Beauty by Cecil Beaton. A patron of the arts, she assisted Viscount Carlow financially in the publication of limited editions of numerous works by leading literary figures such as T E Lawrence, James Joyce, Wyndham Lewis, and others. A hedonistic pursuer, she was recognised as one of the 'Bright Young Things&apos.  In a half morocco binding over marbled boards and endpapers, with five raised bands and gilt to the top edge. Bound in with the original wraps. Externally sound with minor shelf wear and some rubbing to the spine and extremities. With a bookseller sticker to the front pastedown. With a minor faint spotting tot he occasional leaf, although generally the pages are bright and clean. Illustrated with thirty-four full page plates, the frontispiece is in colour, as well as other illustrations in text. Collated, complete. Each illustration is protected by tissue guards. Very Good . Ill.: Jean Boussod, Manzi, Joyant & Co. Very Good .