"PRESENTS US WITH MANY CURIOUS PARTICULARS… THE MANNERS AND PRIVATE LIFE OF OUR ILLUSTRIOUS ANCESTORS, SOME NEW FACTS IN THEIR PUBLIC HISTORY, AND SEVERAL NEW DESCENTS IN THEIR PEDIGREES"

(NICHOLS, John). A Collection of all the Wills, Now Known to be Extant, of the Kings and Queens of England, Princes and Princesses of Wales, and Every Branch of the Blood Royal. London: Printed by J. Nichols, 1780. Quarto, contemporary full tree calf gilt rebacked in period style, elaborately gilt-decorated spine, raised bands, black morocco spine label. $850.

First edition of Nichols's compilation of wills and testaments from William the Conqueror through Lady Margaret Beaufort.

Compiled and printed by historian, editor and publisher John Nichols, this interesting collection of all then-known noble wills includes explanatory notes and a glossary. First page of preface with a note in pencil claiming "Richard Gough the celebrated antiquarian wrote this preface." A penciled copy of King John's will in English and an inked copy of Henry II's are laid in. ESTC T78302. Harvard Law Catalogue II, 223. Sweet & Maxwell I, 495.

Interior clean; board edges and corners rubbed, small area of front cover with ink stains. A handsome copy.