THE INSTITUTION, LAWS & CEREMONIES OF THE MOST NOBLE ORDER OF THE GARTER. A WORK FURNISHED WITH VARIETY OF MATTER, RELATING TO HONOR AND NOBLESSE.
Trowbridge & London: Frederick Muller, (1971). Folio [32 by 21 cm], original blue leatherette, bordered in blind, lettered and decorated in gilt; clear plastic cover with text printed in gold; top page edges gilt; silk marker. Housed in original cardboard box. Portrait of Charles II by William Sherwin; (16), 130, 135–136, 149–720, (104) pages with errata [numbers 131–134 and 137–148 omitted from pagination]; title page in red and black; headpiece and initial; 18 text illustrations; 35 additional plates, of which 15 are double plates and 2 are folding plates. Illustrations by Wenceslaus Hollar unless otherwise noted. Number 28 of 100. Fine. Item #7879
A facsimile reprint of this exceptionally important work of English history, heraldry, and phaleristics, written by the founder of the Ashmolean Museum. The foundational study of the Order and the necessary basis of every work since written about it, Ashmole’s comprehensive study of the Order of the Garter is one of the great books on a chivalric order. As a book, it is as famous for its illustrations as for its text, with depictions of the costumes and dress of the Order, its accoutrements, ensigns, insignia and arms. Processions and ceremonies are illustrated, as are Windsor Castle and St. George’s Chapel, both of which are integral to the Order. Coins and medals are also illustrated where relevant. The author, Elias Ashmole (1617–1692) was a politician, diarist, and a founder of the Royal Society who is best remembered today for his antiquarian work, forming one of the outstanding private libraries and collections of his age. As Windsor Herald, he devoted much of his attention to restoring the Order of the Garter in the years following the Restoration. His collections, of course, were donated to University of Oxford, which formed the Ashmolean Museum to properly house them. Brunet I.524. Clain-Stefanelli 15448. ESTC R225555. Graesse I.238. Lowndes 80. Moule CCL (pages 184–186). Mulder & Purves 1094-1. Suetens 583. Ex James C. Risk Library.
Price: $250.00