Author: POOLE, BENJAMIN
Title: Coventry: Its History & Antiquities Compiled by Benjamin Poole, from Authentic Publications, Ancient Manuscripts and Charters, Corporation Records, Original Contributions, Etc. Illustrated by W. Fred. Taunton, with Sixty Exquisite Tinted Etchings, Fac-Sim
Description: London: John Russell Smith, 1870. First Edition; First Edition. Hardcover (Quarter Leather). Xviii, 424 pages. With 57 of 60 (folding) b/w & coloured maps and plates collated (missing the plates of Holy Trinity Church - Interior (pg. 178) , St. Peter's Church Exterior (pg. 223) . The plate bound in at pg. 228 says Ancient View of Coventry and does not correspond with plate called St. Osburg's Church - Exterior. With marbled endpapers and marbled edges. Top right hand corner of a few top right hand corners slightly creased. Plate adjoining page 402, and pages 403-404 loose in volume but present. Plate adjoining page 404 loosening. Corners worn, chafed & rubbed. Hinges somewhat cracked at head and foot spine. Head and foot spine somewhat damaged. Spine chaffed and rubbed. Stain on front cover. Covers somewhat worn and soiled. Slight stain to fore edge margin title page. Occasional spot of foxing to pages, but plates are in beautiful condition. A rare copy of a beautiful work of local history. ; Quarto; William Frederic Taunton was an artist, the Headmaster of the Coventry School of Art, and here also acting as printer and publisher of each of the parts of this great work. Coventry is currently the 9th largest city in England and the 11th largest in the United Kingdom. Historically it was the most important seat of ribbon-making in the UK. Coventry's greatest legend is that of the 11th century exploits of Lady Godiva who rode through the city naked on horseback in protest at high taxes being levied on the cityfolk by her husband Leofric, Earl of Mercia. According to the legend the residents of the city were commanded to look away as she rode, but one man didn't and was allegedly struck blind. He became known as Peeping Tom thus originating a new idiom, or metonym, in English.. Very Good with no dust jacket .

Keywords: Heritage British