Paris: Jocodus Badius Ascensius, 1508. First edition. Bound by H. Faulkner in full blue straight-grained morocco, likely early 19th century. Leather rubbed at the spine ends and along the front joint, but holding well and not cracking. Gilt and blind decorative boarders to the boards and details to the spine compartments, marbled end papers, all edges gilt. With the armorial bookplate of Thomas Edward Watson on the front paste-down. Faint dampstain to several of the early leaves, and the odd spot of foxing, but generally a clean attractive copy.

Printed centuries after Monmouth's death, Britanniae transformed a scribal manuscript into a publicly accessible and highly popular history. Credited with laying the foundation for the legends of King Arthur and his Round Table, the book also recorded the tales of monarchs such as King Lear. A favorite text among the Latin grammar schoolboys of Shakespeare's day, Monmouth's history served as an inspiration and a source for some of Shakespeare's most famous tragedies.

Adams G444. (Item #5543)