BURNET, (GILBERT, BISHOP OF SALISBURY).
Geschichte, die er selbst erlebet hat. 2 vols.
Hamburg & Leipzig, Philip Herteln, 1724 & 1735.
4to. Uniformly bound in two contemporary full calf bindings with richly gilt spines. Small paper-label to upper part of spine on vol. 1. Boards with a few stains and scratches, with a bit of loss of leather. Internally fine and clean, a nice set. (20), 936, (16) pp.; (8), 760, 136, (8), 72, (4) pp.
First German translation of Bishop Burnet’s “History of his Own Time” covering the period from the English Civil War through the early 18th century offering Burnet's firsthand accounts and perspectives on events of his day. Burnet began writing in 1683 and continued until his death in 1715. The work was posthumously published in two volumes, the first in 1724 and the second in 1734. Although it has been criticized for its biases and occasional inaccuracies it remains an important source for the history of the era. "Ever since the appearance of Bishop Burnet's History of his Own Time it has been the subject of great controversy. It engendered much excitement and clearly sold well in England, each volume going through a number of editions. Burnet's critics often accuse him of overstating, in his History and elsewhere, his own importance in the events of his time. While it is true that Burnet was an egomaniac, and he undoubtedly expected future historians to study him, there is much truth to his assertions. His career can be evaluated by dividing it into two, sometimes overlapping, spheres: his engagement in public affairs and his vocation as an author" (Oxford Dictionary of National Biography).
Order-nr.: 61032
DKK 4.500,00