MONASTICON ANGLICANUM. London, 1655, 1673, 1661. 3 volumes. 13" x 8.5". With 98 (only) engraved plates of which about 1/3 are folding or double-page, including additional engraved title to volume one and frontispieces. Text collates thus: [44], 1151, [1]; [22], 828, [6], 831-1057, [57]; [6], 392*, [2], 119, 130-218 pp. All with some errors in pagination. *Note in this copy: The 392 pp. section in final volume split up and bound at front and rear rather than all together; also note the title pages for the second and third volumes are misbound in the incorrect volumes (i.e. vol 2 t.p. bound in vol 3, and vice versa); note that the title page to volume 3 is in very neat manuscript. Overall, text complete as per ESTC (with the exception of vol. 3 title which is at least partially in neat manuscript), though lacking a few plates, as often. Bound in period diced calf. ********************* The Monasticon Anglicanum "established for the first time since the Reformation the importance of monasteries and the scale of their territorial possessions" (ODNB.) Early ink inscription to volume one half-title (see photos.) Here offered from the collection of Scott Murphy.

Bindings chipped, one spine panel nearly detached to first volume and two boards detached (restorers take note: the chipped portions of spines are mostly present though they may not be shown in photos - they are laid in at the front of each volume.) Contents with some light foxing in places but overall quite clean, portrait to second volume is cropped and laid down, a couple of leaves with small holes removing a few letters and a few other minor tears or small holes with no loss; text and plates overall quite good. Set sold as-is.