1657 – Britannia – William Camden | Medieval History & Poetry, Remaines

A rare and valuable edition of William Camden’s ‘Britannia’ translated and edited by John Philpot. This work is considered one the greatest achievements of English scholarship and is the first topographical survey of Great Britain! Camden first published this book in Latin in 1586, dedicated to Queen Elizabeth, and an English edition did not appear until early 17th-century. It gained immense popularity, both in its original printing and English forms.

The original 1610 English translation is considered inferior to this 1657 edition. It was filled with errors and inaccuracies that John Philpot did not include in this printing. The title page explains that this edition includes “rare antiquities never before imprinted”.  This edition includes some of the earliest notes on Stonehenge and ancient coins and artifacts! It also includes the first chronological organization of English poetry from the Middle Ages!

This book was the first to show a study of Roman Britain and was the first county-by-county survey of Great Britain.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Remaines Concerning Britain: Their Languages, Names, Surnames, Allusions, Anagrammes, Armories, Monies, Empreses, Apparell, Artillarie, Wise Speeches, Proverbs, Poesies, Epitaphs
• Author(s): William Camden
• Contributor(s): John Philpot (Editor and Translator)
• Publisher: London, printed for Simon Waterson and Robert Clavell
• Edition: 1657 edition.
• Binding: Leather
• Format: (12mo), single volume
• Size:  7.25 in x 5.5 in (18 cm x 14 cm)
• Collation: [4], 334 (i.e. 410), [2] pp.
  • Pagination errors expected
• Illustrations:
• Contents Include:
  • Studies of Roman Britain
  • Early observations on Stonehenge
  • British surnames and heraldry
  • Ancient coins and artifacts
  • English poetry from the Middle Ages
  • British customs, languages, and proverbs

• Reference(s): Wing C 374c; Allibone I, p.330

Condition:

Very Good. Leather binding remains tight and secure with little to no rubbing or wear at the corners. Pages remain clean and legible with expected age toning visible in the margins.

Why Collect This?

• Includes early material on Stonehenge and Roman Britain
• Foundational county and historical survey material

Item Number: # 50470