GILDAS (516-70?). The Epistle of Gildas, the most Ancient British Author. London: Printed by T.Cotes for William Cook, 1638.

First edition. Gildas, a British monk, is perhaps best-known for his polemic on the history of Britain from the Roman conquest through the beginning of the Anglo-Saxon period, De Excidio et Conquestu Britanniae. STC 11895.

12mo (138 x 75mm). Engraved portrait frontispiece (this copy lacking gathering b12 in “To the inhabitants” and leaf f3, the end of the prologue). 18th-century blue morocco gilt with masonic design (lightly rubbed). Sold as a binding, not subject to return. Provenance: James Franck Bright (bookplate).

This lot is offered without reserve.

Conditions of Sale
FAQs
This lot is offered by Christie's Inc

Brought to you by

Heather WeintraubSpecialist, Books, Manuscripts, & Archives

A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.

hweintraub@christies.com +1 212 636 2673