[Anstis, John ( ed)]:

THE REGISTER OF THE MOST NOBLE ORDER OF THE GARTER, FROM ITS COVER IN BLACK VELVET, USUALLY CALLED THE BLACK BOOK; WITH NOTES...AND AN INTRODUCTION PREFIXED BY THE EDITOR

      London: Printed by John Barber, 1724.. Two volumes. [2], xxxiv,470pp. plus frontis and two folding plates; [2],lxxii,500pp. plus frontis and eleven plates. Folio. Contemporary calf, neatly rebacked to style with gilt raised bands and gilt labels. Numerous engraved pictorial head and tail pieces, and illustrated initials. Fore- corners bruised, some very modest occasional foxing and smudging, but a very good set, handsomely bound. Two bookplates in each volume. First edition. In many copies, the engravings bound here as frontispieces appear as engraved half-titles. Anstis's title as Garter King of Arms was secured after some controversy in April 1718. He published this ambitious work at his own expense, including some copies on large paper with the pictorial matter hand-colored. ESTCT140331. LOWNDES I:50.