Rapin de Thoyras; N. Tindal — The History of England

London, James, John, and Paul Knapton; John and Paul Knapton, 1732-43. Leather. Paul de Rapin de Thoyras' important and influential history of England, an illustrated work translated to English by Nicholas Tindal. A mixed edition set, with Volume I being the second edition, whereas Volume II is the third edition.Complete in two volumes, though Tindal later expanded the work to four volumes in 1744-47 with his additions. Volume I is illustrated with a vignette title, four folding maps, one folding plate, seven plates, and in-text engravings.Volume II is illustrated with a frontispiece, a vignette title, one folding plate, sixteen plates, and in-text engravings. One page of adverts to the rear.Collated, bound without the frontispiece for Volume I, however there is no definitie collation for this work, as many of the plates were issued separately from the volumes themselves, as advertised to the rear of Volume II.This is an influential exposition of the view of English history from the side of the Whigs, in which the author traces the rich history of England from the Ancient times, up to the reign of William and Mary. It exposed a Whig view of history, being influential on both sides of the channel, and was written for the endorsement of the British monarchy, specifically for the House of Hanover. The work was noted for its effective and lucid writing style.Rapin spent seventeen years on this work, and it ruined his health. He was noted for having been the first person to describe King Stephen's reign as 'anarchy&apos. This work was the greatest contribution to British historiography and it's development in the eighteenth century, as, at this time, no other history of England was as comprehensive.Originally written in French by Paul Rapin de Thoyras, first published as 'Histoire d'Angleterre' is 1724-27 in monthly installments. Here translated to English by Nicholas Tindal. Tindal began this translation whilst he was working as a chaplain to the Royal Navy. His translation is superb, known for his large number of innovative and informative notes that he added throughout the volumes, expanding on Rapin's words. Volume I is in a half calf binding with marbled paper to the boards, Volume II is in a full calf binding. Externally, Volume I is generally smart, Volume II is a little worn and rubbed, boards held by cords only. Light rubbing and discolouration to the boards of Volume I, resulting in a small amount of loss of paper. Bumping and loss to the extremities of Volume II, lighter bumping to the extremities of Volume I. Loss to the spine and joints of Volume II. Hinges of Volume I are starting but firm. Loss to the rear endpaper of Volume I. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are generally bright and clean with scattered spots. Repairs to the margins of leaves A2 and Ff1 to Volume II. Light tidemark to the bottom edge of Volume II. Good Only . Ill.: Not Stated. Good Only .