GIRALDI CAMBRENSIS. Opera. Edited by J.S. Brewer [Vols. I, II, III] and Rev. James F. Dimock [Vols. V, VI]

London: Longman, [et. al.], 1868. 5 (of 8) volumes, royal 8vo; ex-library copy with usual markings, some pages slightly browned, hinges cracked in vol. III, extremities and spines rubbed, some spine ends chipped and cracked, covers slightly scuffed, else good in contemporary quarter brown morocco gilt over black paper-covered boards or dark blue cloth. The first three volumes contain extracts from the historical works of Gerald du Barry, a Welsh noble and churchman of the twelfth century. He attempted to establish the independence of Wales by restoring the see of St. David's to its ancient primacy. Vol. I contains the De Rebus a se gestis, an autobiography; Invectionum libelli, a reply to calumnies circulated against him; Symbolum electorum which contains his letters and poetry; and other letters and poems. Vol. II contains the Gemma Ecclesiastica, a manual for the parish priests of Wales which presents a true and vivid picture of the Welsh clergy in the 13th century. Vol. III contains the first four books of the Invectionum libelli, a merciless attack on Giraldus' enemies; the De Menevensi ecclesia dialogus, written for Stephen Langton on the Welsh clergy; and the Vita St. David. Volume V contains the Topographia Hibernica and the Expugnatio Hibernica. The former is the result of Giraldus' visits to Ireland; his account of Irish history is unreliable, but the work is valuable for his observations of natural history. He records his own acute observations on the animals of Ireland in addition to recounting traditional medieval legends on them. The Expugnatio is poetical book of prophesy. Vol. VI contains the Itinerarium Kambriae et Descriptio Kambriae, a description of Wales and its people. In the original Latin.