Heading:
Author: Walker, Clement
Title: Relations and Observations, Historical and Politick, upon the Parliament, begun Anno Dom. 1640. Divided into II. Books: 1. The Mystery of the Two Junto's, Presbyterian and Independent. 2. The History of Independency, &c. Together with an Appendix, Touching the Proceedings of the Independent Faction in Scotland.
Place Published: [London?]
Publisher:
Date Published: 1650
Description:

[6], 161, [1] pp. (4to) 18.5x14 cm (7¼x5½"), modern marbled boards, leather spine label titled in gilt. Fourth Edition.

This pamphlet contains the first occurrence of the phrase "Rump Parliament", used to refer to the members of the sitting Long Parliament. Writing as "Theodorus Verax", Clement Walker (d. 1651) was a controversialist and an MP. This text is devoted to the Long Parliament, which in 1648 was hit by Pride's Purge, which expelled the Presbyterian, moderate faction, favoring instead the Independents and Cromwell supporters. Walker, however, argues that the Independents were also in the wrong, as, like the Presbyterians, they eventually behaved in ways which wronged the English people. This may explain why Wing notes that the typesetting and ornamentation appears to be Continental rather than published in Oliver Cromwell's England. Wing W334C.

Though a landowner of some note, Walker espoused the parliamentary cause at the outbreak of hostilities. Following the triumph of the army over the Presbyterians, he was accused of being one of the instigators of the London riots of 26 July 1647. In the present work "he describes himself...as opposed to all factions, both presbyterians and independents, and never a member of any 'juntos' or secret meetings...In his 'Mystery of the Two Juntos,' published in 1647, he attacked with great vigour and acrimony the corruption of parliamentary government which the Long parliament's assumption of all power had produced" - DNB.

Endpapers replaced, some age-toning, light soiling to margins, marginal worm tracks in final gatherings, very good.