[cxxxiv] 327 [i.e. 325] pp. Collates *4 A12, b-e12, f3, B-I12, K-O12, P7 [text ends on recto of P7; verso is blank; P8 excised; likely a blank or ad leaf]. Engraved frontispiece portrait of Gildas by William Marshall. (12mo) 14x8.5 cm (5½x3¼") early full calf with later calf rebacking. First Edition in English.
Anonymous translation by Thomas Habington of De Excidio et Conquestu Britanniae (1567), a work by Britain's first historian, first published in 1525. "The writings of Gildas have come down to us under the title of Gildae Sapientis de Excidio Britanniae Liber Qyerulus [a.k.a. Liber Querulus de Excidio Britanniae]. Though at first written consecutively, the work is now usually divided into three portions, -- a preface, the history proper, and an epistle, -- the last, which is largely made up of passages and texts of Scripture brought together for the purpose of condemning the vices of his countrymen and their rulers, being the least important, though by far the longest of the three. In the second he passes in brief review the history of Britain from its invasion by the Romans till his own times. Among other matters reference is made to the introduction of Christianity in the reign of Tiberius; the persecution under Diocletian; the spread of the Arian heresy; the election of Maximus as emperor by the legions in Britain, and his subsequent death at Aquileia; the incursions of the Picts and Scots into the southern part of the island; the temporary assistance rendered to the harassed Britons by the Romans; the final abandonment of the island by the latter; the coming of the Saxons and their reception by Guortigern (Vortigern); and, finally, the conflicts between the Britons, led by a noble Roman, Ambrosius Aurelianus, and the new invaders. Unfortunately, on almost every point on which he touches, the statements of Gildas are vague and obscure. With one exception already alluded to [the siege of Mount Badon], no dates are given, and events are not always taken up in the order of their occurrence. These faults are of less importance during the period when Greek and Roman writers notice the affairs of Britain; but they become more serious when, as is the case from nearly the beginning of the 5th century to the date of his death [570?], Gildas's brief narrative is our only authority for most of what passes current as the history of our island during those years." - Encyclopedia Britannica, 11th edition. ESTC S103163. Lowndes, p. 892. Rare.
Condition:
Binding edge worn, spine head chipped, bookplate; a few notes in an early hand in margins and on endpapers, stain on title page verso and adjacent leaf; very good.