PBA Galleries

[10], 786 pp. Engraved portrait frontispiece. (Folio) 31.5x19.5 cm. (15½x7½"), later ¾ red morocco & cloth, spine lettered in gilt. First Edition.

Thomas Wentworth, 1st Earl of Strafford (1593–1641) was an English statesman and a major figure in the period leading up to the English Civil War. He served in Parliament and was a supporter of King Charles I. From 1632 to 1639 he instituted a harsh rule as Lord Deputy of Ireland. Recalled to England, he became a leading adviser to the King, attempting to strengthen the royal position against Parliament. When Parliament condemned him to death, Charles signed the death warrant and Wentworth was executed. Wing T2232. Formerly in the Warrington Municipal Library, with old inkstamps to title and frontis., bookplate, giltstamped spine numbers.