The History and Antiquities of Windsor Castle, and the Royal College, and Chapel of St. George: With the Institution, Laws, and Ceremonies of the Most Noble Order of the Garter: Including, the several Foundations in the Castle, [...]. Eton: Joseph Pote, 1749.
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FIRST EDITION of Joseph Pote's detailed history of Windsor Castle, also including a focus on St George's Chapel and the Royal College. Beautifully illustrated, with some foldout plates too, here in rebacked contemporary full calf.
Although Pote published several books, "Pote's main business was bookselling to the scholars at Eton… They used to chant: 'Joseph Pote of Eton, a man of great renown, buys a book for sixpence, and sells it for a crown.' He also dealt in stationery (particularly to supply the needs of the college), wallpaper, and patent medicines; and, never one to miss a business opportunity, he ran a small boarding-house for boys" (DNB).
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Size: 193 x 242 mm (approx.)
Condition:
[(2), 1ff, t.p., frontis, 1ff, i-xii, pp.1-431, (2)]
Contemporary full calf binding, rebacked with similarly coloured cloth, preserving one original blank to the rear, also adding newer blanks. Hinges a little cracked, but with boards very securely attached, the binding secure, and without shelf lean. Binding rubbed in places, retaining its tooled black morocco label, a little chipped, with gilt loss. Two bookplates to front blank verso of William Delafield and David Hubert Boothby, gifted to the latter by the former in November 2000. There's a pencil note to this same page reading "Bought at Farringdon Road for 2/9! Back broken while on loan to Garter. Rebound by Hassall, Senior" by Gerald Cobb, F.S.A, another former owner. Recent paper note taped to front pastedown reading 'Windsor Castle Pote'. The odd mark to a few leaves, else generally extremely clean throughout, mildly toned, plates usually a little more toned as typical, but remain incredibly attractive. The plates are very finely engraved. Bottom page edge with a dampstain, not affecting text, else edges are very good, with the typical dulling to top edge.
