The Cathedrals and Conventual Churches of England and Wales Orthographically Delineated

London: Printed and Sold by John Overton, 1656. Scarce if incomplete example of King's Commonwealth era collection of views of churches and cathedrals with extensive provenance recorded on the book. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:Small folio-size bound in late 17th century panelled calf, rebacked, probably in the 19th century with a gilt heraldic device to the spine. Front pastedown has a c1800 manuscript list of plates in the related volume, also illustrated by King, Monasticon Anglicarum; the second flyleaf attempts a manuscript list of the plates present in this volume with two ownership inscriptions at the head of the page. The earliest is: 'Lib P Forester C.C.C.' apparently 'Donum W Bouchery' - probably the Latinist poet, Weyman Bouchery. Two leaves later a subsequent gift is recorded to the antiquary and topographer James Dallaway: 'Jac. Dallaway M.B... a secretis Ex Dono Ricardi Neave... 1800'. On the same page appears the stamp of 'W Appleton Jr Boston' and also the Fox Pointe bookplate. 56 engravings are present, mounted on stubs as well as additional stubs remaining where engravings have been removed. The engraved title page has been trimmed and mounted; Hollar's fine Canterbury image is present as well as images of Westminster Abbey, Durham Cathedral, Glastonbury, St Albans, Bangor, Ely, Selby and old St Paul's Cathedral which only survived a few years after this volume was published. A couple of closed tears to the engravings, and occasional old paper repairs; one engraving detached. A very pleasing collection. Please contact Christian White Rare Books Ltd for more information or images of this item 1656