1854 Rare Book Set - History of the Life of Richard Cœur-de-Lion King of England
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Author: G.P.R. James.
Title: A History of the Life of Richard Cœur-de-Lion, King of England.
Publisher: London, Henry G. Bohn, York Street, Covent Garden, 1854. Complete set of 2 volumes.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 7.5" x 5".
Pages: Vol. I: viii-520 pages; Vol. II: viii-496 pages.
Binding: Attractive and very good half blue morocco leather over marbled boards, with gilt-decorated raised bands, gilt lettering, and floral motifs to spine (hinges fine, overall slightly worn and scuffed - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover. Upper edges gilt.
Content: Very good content (bright, tight and clean, rare light foxing - as shown, with a handsome engraved armorial bookplate of John C. Black, bearing the Latin motto Sidera Duces (“The stars guide”), affixed to both front pastedown—a mark of distinguished provenance - as shown).
Illustrations: Complete with two superb engraved frontispieces—Richard Cœur-de-Lion in Volume I and Philip Augustus in Volume II—both finely executed.
Estimate: (USD 500–700).
The book: A strikingly bound 1854 “new edition” of The Life of Richard Cœur-de-Lion, one of G.P.R. James's most enduring historical biographies. This two-volume set explores the life and legend of Richard I of England, known as the Lionheart, famed for his role in the Third Crusade and his iconic kingship during the tumultuous 12th century. Printed by C. Whiting at Beaufort House, the volumes offer a scholarly yet romantic narrative of a medieval monarch whose chivalric ideals and martial feats have captivated readers for generations. The decorative morocco binding enhances this already collectible edition, while the armorial bookplate of John C. Black adds a touch of distinguished provenance.
The author: George Payne Rainsford James (1799–1860) was a prolific English novelist and historian, appointed Historiographer Royal by King William IV. A master of historical fiction and biography, James was known for weaving accurate historical research with engaging narrative flair. His works on figures such as Charlemagne, Edward the Black Prince, and Louis XIV reflect his talent for dramatizing the lives of monarchs and warriors with both accuracy and romantic vigor.