MARTYN [or MARTIN], William (1562-1617). The Historie and Lives of the Kings of England, from William the Conquerour to the end of the reigne of King Henry the VIII ... Whereunto is now added the Historie of King Ed. VI, of Queen Mary, and Q. Elizabeth. London: "Printed by R. Young, for himselfe and others," 1638 [with, at the end, as usual in this edition: The Successions of the Dukes and Earles. London: Printed for Robert Young, 1638]. Small folio (258 x 175mm). Elaborate engraved architectural title, 20 engraved portraits after Renold Elstracke, headpieces and initials (engraved title torn with loss at edges and laid down, one portrait torn without loss, a few leaves torn or frayed with minor loss, some light spotting and staining, lacks all after Hhhh of The Succession). Contemporary calf gilt (heavily rubbed). Provenance: John Elliott [followed by illegible place name] (old signature at head of dedication). The third, much expanded, edition of a work that was first printed in 1615. Brunet III, 312: "Ce livre est peu de chose en lui-même, mais les portraits grav. par Elstracke, dont il orné, lui donnent quelque prix ... L' édit. de 1638, continuée jusqu'à la mort de la reine Elizabeth, ne renferme que des épreuves usées ..."; STC 17527 (1615 edition). Sold not subject to return.
