The History of the Rebellion and Civil Wars in England

Oxford: Printed at the Theater, 1707. Leather. Good. 8" by 5". Not Stated. An early set of Edward Hyde's important first-hand account of the English Civil War, a fundamental resource on the subject. Bound in five volumes.An incomplete set, the work lacking Volume I Part II, consisting of Books IV and V, though the spine labels number the set continuously of Volumes I to V.ESTC citation number T53943.Illustrated with a frontispiece to each volume.Half-title present to Volumes I, II, and IV. Volumes III and V are bound without the half-title. 'The History of the Rebellion' is Edward Hyde's account of the English Civil War, being his first hand account of the war proceedings.The work expresses Hyde's own views of the Royalist strategies used in the war; despite being a Royalist himself, Hyde was severe in his judgments of the Royalist commanders as well as the Parliament commanders, being horrified by the execution of Charles I. As Charles II was attempting to regain the throne, Hyde joined him, and he soon became his chief advisor and Lord Chancellor. It was his opinion that the fatal flaw of the Stuart monarchs was letting their sound judgement be swayed and corrupted by their favourites within court.Hyde was one of the most important historians of his time, and this work was very influential upon its publication. Hyde is also the grandfather of both Queen Mary II and Queen Anne. In a full calf rebacked binding with new endpapers. Externally, smart. Minor bumping to the extremities. Boards are a little rubbed with minor marks, very light rubbing to the spines of Volumes II to V. Small mark to the front board of Volume II. Faint ring mark to the front board of Volume II, heavier marks to the rear board. Bookplate to the front paste down of Volume I. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are lightly age-toned and generally clean. The occasional pencil note to the text. Scattered ink marks to the frontispiece and title of Volume II, title page and frontispiece adhered to the gutter, with a small amount of wear to the frontispiece. Small closed tear to the frontispiece of Volume III. Small tide mark to the tail of the first few pages of Volume IV. Light tide mark to the frontispiece of Volume V. Good