Munimenta Antiqua; or, Observations on Antient Castles. Including Remarks on the Whole Progress of Architecture, Ecclesiastical, as well as Military, in Great Britain: and on the corresponding changes in manners, laws, and customs...
London: Printed by W. Bulmer & Co., for G. Nicol, 1799. First edition, 4 volumes, folio. 167 plates, a number folding and a couple hand coloured. Marbled endpapers, armorial bookplates of Charles Edward Keyser, old bookseller's description of this work pasted into the front of volume I, old damp stain to the upper margin of the plates, just affecting the image in many cases. 19th century half morocco, a little rubbed, small puncture to the spine of volume IV, overall a well preserved set. "The book is typical of King's somewhat idiosyncratic approach to antiquarian studies but nevertheless makes a strong case for architectural history and the close analysis of form and style... King argued that antiquarianism was a science and that antiquarian research should therefore be conducted in accordance with scientific models of measurement and comparison rather than being concerned with picturesque views. Though many of his contemporaries were contemptuous... [it] was widely cited..." (ODNB). Charles Keyser (1847-1929), expert on church architecture and president of the British Archaeological Association. Item #32229
Price: £900.00