Bacon, Francis

The History of the Reigne of King Henry The Seventh

      London:: R.Y(oung). and R. H(odgkinson),, 1641.. 18th c 1/2 calf over marbled boards,hinge cracks,owner's name on t.p. trimmed. Folio.. Lacks port; t.p. in elaborate woodcut border (as in 1622 ed). Of the historical works, the only one of any size is the OHistory of Henry the Seventh.O This book, though the subject had long been familiar to Bacon, and a fragment on this and the four following reigns dates back as far as the time of Elizabeth, seems to have been wholly composed during the long vacation succeeding his fall. On 8 Oct. 1621 he was ready to send a fair manuscript to the king. This was returned shortly after 7 Jan., and on 20 March 1621-2 the book was printed and ready for publication. Sir James Mackintosh, in his OHistory of England,O appears to regard Bacon as having simply set to work, in order to gratify James I, to produce a flattering portraiture of his royal ancestor. Spedding, who has a better title to be heard on this subject than any other authority, delivers this weighty judgment: OThough not one of his works which stand highest, either in reputation or popularity, with later times, the OHistory of Henry the SeventhO has done its work more effectually perhaps than any of them. None of the histories which had been written before conveyed any idea either of the distinctive character of the man or the real business of his reign. Every history which has been written since has derived all its light from this, and followed its guidance in every question of importance; and the additional materials which come to light from time to time, and enable us to make many corrections in the history of the events, only serve to confirm and illustrate the truth of its interpretation of them." [DNB] Wing B298. ESTC r11984. Gibson 120. Pforzheimer 33.