The Life of John, Duke of Marlborough - Thomas Lediard 1736 FIRST EDITION, Rare

The Life of John, Duke of Marlborough, Prince of the Roman Empire; illustrated with maps, battle plans, sieges and medals, and a great number of original letters and papers never before published. Printed for J. Wilcox in 1736, by Thomas Lediard, 8vo. FIRST EDITION. In 3 uniform contemporary mottled full calf bindings with an engraved portrait frontispiece of the Duke of Marlborough to the first volume, numerous engraved plates, portraits, plans etc throughout.

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Thomas Lediard (1685-1743) was an English historian and writer, best known for his book "The Life of John, Duke of Marlborough", which was published in 1736. John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough (1650-1722) was a military commander and statesman who is famous for his victories during the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714).

Lediard's book is a biography of Marlborough, which tells the story of his life and career, as well as the political and military events of the time. Lediard's work was the first comprehensive biography of Marlborough, and it drew heavily on contemporary sources, including Marlborough's own correspondence. The book was well-received at the time of its publication, and it remains an important historical work today.

One of the interesting aspects of Lediard's book is its focus on Marlborough's personal life, as well as his military and political achievements. Lediard writes extensively about Marlborough's marriage to Sarah Jennings, which was a significant factor in his rise to power, as well as his relationship with Queen Anne, who was his patron and supporter during his career.

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Size: 8vo.

Condition: Good (G-)

Text block extremely clean with light toning and very sporadic and very minor foxing. Contemporary mottled full calf binding with some prominent wear. Joints and hinges cracked. Tooled tables lacking from spines of volumes one and three. Shelf wear. Dulling to page edges. Cavalry Club bookplate to front pastedown of each volume. Plates lightly toned with minor spotting. Damp stain along edge side of title page of volume two with the bottom edge lights cut off (see photo).

*Refer to photographs as they make up part of the condition description.