1608 – Political Nobility & Heraldry in England – Robert Glover | Nobilitas Politica vel Civilis

Nobilitas politica vel civilis by Robert Glover is an early English survey of heraldry, noble genealogies, and royal status classification in England. Glover, an English genealogist, was known for his record keeping, especially his vast collection of heraldry manuscripts. His nephew, Thomas Milles, organized and published these manuscripts following Glover’s death into this work, first published in 1608. This book attempts to answer the question “what makes someone noble?” as it pertains to civil and political structures. It describes the roles of barons, dukes, and even princes, as well as other ranks among English nobility.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Nobilitas politica vel civilis : personas scilicet distinguendi, et ab origine inter gentes, ex principum gratia nobilitandi forma, praeter omnium
• Author(s): Robert Glover
• Contributor(s): Thomas Milles (Editor and Additions)
• Publisher: Londini: Typis Gulielmi Jaggard, in via Barbicanea
• Edition: First Edition, 1608.
• Binding: Full vellum
• Format: (4to), single volume
• Size:  11.25 in x 8 in (28.6 cm x 20.3 cm)
• Collation: [8], 190, [4] p
• Illustrations: 8 full-page engraved plates
• Reference: STC 11922
• Contents Include:
  • Preface by Thomas Milles
  • Discourse on degrees of nobility
  • Accounts of English titles and ranks
  • Engraved examples of heraldic figures, courts, and costume

Condition:

Full vellum binding in Good condition, firm and stable. Pages show moderate toning typical of the period. Several leaves are loose but remain laid in. Text and engravings are clear and preserved.

Why Collect This?

• Early study of English nobility and heraldry
• Includes eight engraved plates of armorial subjects
• First edition of a foundational heraldic text

Item Number: # 29691