THE MESSIAH. In Nine Books. ROYAL ARTILLERY BOOK.

Belfast: Printed by James Magee, 1768. Book. Good condition. Hardcover. Early edition. 12mo - over 6¾ - 7¾" tall. 299 pages followed by xxiv pages of subscriber's names. Bound in what are likely the original paper composite/cardboard boards with the original leather removed, housed in a primitive hand-sewn leather/suede binding with strap and loop intact. The spine is inversely rolled but the pages remain attached. The suede is heavily worn, with rubbing especially to the extremities, and a few small tears to the edges and heavy wear to the strap, but remaining intact and attractive. The title page and first 30 pages of text are damaged with chipping, creasing, soiling and staining, with some weakness to the paper indicating exposure to moisture. An additional 70 pages or so are stained, and there is scattered soiling, staining, and minor chipping and tearing throughout the text. There are numerous instances of previous ownership, all or most of which point to the book passing through various members of the Royal Artillery in the late 18th Century. The names include: 1) SAMUEL DAY (with a 30 word inscription on the front endpaper); again on rear endpaper. There is also a lengthy practice letter or writing on the rear endpaper that may be Day's. 2) R. SHAW or SHAIN (on title page). 3) MALCOM M'DUFFE or M'DUFFY "1769" (with a poem in another hand) pg. 148, 210, 229. There are two Mc Duffee names in the subscriber's list (John and William). 4) HENRY MCLERNAN or M'LORMAN stating he is attached to Bombardiers 7th Battery Royal Artillery on pg. 271 and again his name on pg 273. This book passed through certainly two and likely 4 members of the Royal Artillery approximately 1767 through circa 1790. .