1662 – King Charles I Eikon Basilike | English Civil War | First Edition Folio

A first edition printing of the works of Charles I, King of England. “A few hours after the King’s execution, his Eikon Basilike was in the hands of the people.” This book is collectively a set of meditations during the King’s imprisonment and consisted of many of the government’s problems and corruption. (Almack, 3). According to Kunitz and Kaycraft,

“The work is a masterpiece in its expression of Charles’ principles, personal feelings, and prejudices, and by making a martyr of this Stuart king, exercised a considerable influence on English history” (Kunitz & Haycraft, 212).

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Basilika : the workes of King Charles the martyr : with a collection of declarations, treaties, and other papers concerning the differences betwixt His said Majesty and his two houses of Parliament
• Author(s): King Charles I of England
• Publisher: London : Printed by James Flesher for R. Royston …,
• Edition: First edition, 1662
• Binding: Leather binding
• Format: Folio, single volume
• Size:  14.75 in x 9.75 in (37 cm x 24.5 cm)
• Collation: [8], 120, [2], 458 p
• Illustrations: frontispiece & added, engraved title page; double-page engraving
• Contents Include:
  • Meditations attributed to Charles I
  • Royal declarations and treaties
  • Papers concerning disputes with Parliament
• Provenance: bookplate – Christopher Rowe
• Reference(s): Wing C2075; Lowndes I:413; Almack 61

Condition:

Very Good. Leather binding secure with only mild rubbing and wear at corners and edges; spine toned but gilt title and accents retained. Text block tight and complete as collated; moderate foxing and age toning present, no loss of text observed.

Why Collect This?

• First edition folio
• Desirable for collectors of Stuart and Civil War history

Item Number: #50062