472d Baker, Sir Richard. (1568-1645) A Chronicle of the Kings of England. From the Time of the Romans Goverment, unto the Death of King James. Containing all Passages of State and Church, with all other observations proper for a Chronicle. Faithfully Collected out of authors ancient and Modern; and digested into a new Method, by Sir Richard Baker, Knight. Whereunto is added, the Reign of King Charles the First, And the First Thirteen Years of His Sacred Majesty, King Charles the Second, That now Reigneth. In which are many Material Affairs of State, Never before Published, and likewise the most Remarkable Occurences relating to His Majesties most Happy and Wonderful Restauration, by the Prudent Conduct, under God, of George late Duke of Albemarle, Captain General of all His Majesties Armies. As they were Extracted out of His Excellencies own Papers, and the Journals and Memorials of those imploy’d in the most important and Secret Transactions of that Time. All which additions are Revised in this Seventh Impression, and freed from many Errors and Mistakes of the former Editions.

London: Printed for George Sawbridge at the Bible on Ludgate-Hill, and the Assigns of Thomas Williams, 1679     

$900

Folio, 13 x 8.5 in. Seventh edition (first edition 1643). A6, (b)-(d)4, (e)6, B-Z4; Aa-Tt4; Aaa-Zzz4; Aaaa-Zzzz4; Aaaaa-Mmmmm4. This copy lacks the portrait of Charles II. The engraved title is bound before A1. This copy is bound in contemporary English paneled calf, the boards scuffed and worn, the corners bumped and the hinges starting. The engraved title has been trimmed and mounted. There are two clean tears beginning in the gutter and entering the ruled border of the printed title. The inner margins of the engraved and printed titles have been strengthened. The contents are in good condition with only minor faults. Old paper repairs affect the outer margins of leaves A6, F1, K3 and M2, sometimes straying onto the side-notes, but only on M2.

Richard Baker was knighted by James I in 1603. As a result of financial misfortunes, Baker took refuge in Fleet Prison about 1635 and died there on February 18, 1644/5. It was during his years in Fleet that he composed his literary works, including the Chronicle. “Baker’s principal work was a Chronicle of the Kings of England. The author describes the book as having been ‘collected with so great care and diligence, that if all other of our chronicles were lost, this only would be sufficient to inform posterity of all passages memorable, or worthy to be known.’ The dedication was addressed to Charles, Prince of Wales, and Sir Henry Wotton contributed a commendatory epistle to the author. […] The account of the Restoration given in the fourth and succeeding editions is attributed to Sir Thomas Clarges, Monck’s brother-in-law. Phillipps and the later anonymous editors of the book omit many original documents, which are printed in the two original editions. Baker’s Chronicle was long popular with country gentlemen. Addison, in the “Spectator,” (no.’s 269 and 329) represents Sir Roger de Coverley as frequently reading and quoting the Chronicle, which always lay in his hall window. Fielding in Joseph Andrews, also refers to it as part of the furniture of Sir Thomas Booby’s country house.” (DNB) Baker’s Chronicle is also noted for its mention of Shakespeare. “For writers of plays, and such as had been players themselves, William Shakespeare and Benjamin Johnson, have specially left their names recommended to posterity.” (See page 402 in this copy.)

Wing B-508; Gibson 181: “The section dealing with Henry VIII has several references to More.”