Oliver Cromwell

London: Goupil & Co. , 1899. First edition. Paperback. Very Good Indeed. 13" by 10". Jean Boussod, Manzi, Joyant & Co. . A smart, first edition copy of this comprehensive biographical work on Oliver Cromwell. A presentation copy from the limited edition printing of 350 copies on Japanese vellum. An important and comprehensive biography of English general and statesman Oliver Cromwell, who led the armies of the Parliament of England against King Charles I during the English Civil War. He then ruled the British Isles as Lord Protector from 1635 to 1658. From the scarce limited edition printing of 350 copies on Japanese vellum. A presentation copy sent from the publishers to Thomas Lister (or Lord Ribblesdale) in 1899, as stated on the limitations page. Written by Samuel Rawson Gardiner, historian specialising in the seventeenth century England and the English Civil War. The present volume comprises a significant evaluation of the person behind the controversial general, who is often seen either as a revolutionary or a tyrant. Gardiner explores the life of Cromwell as well as his political legacy. Despite the author was a descendant of Cromwell, this biography is mostly unbiased, presenting a great selection of material and opinions of many of Gardiner's contemporaries.Illustrated with thirty-four full page plates, the frontispiece is in colour, as well as other illustrations in text. This copy is lacking the duplicate portrait plates that usually accompany the limited edition of this work. In the publisher's original paper wraps. Externally, smart, with some minor shelf wear and a few handling marks to the wraps. Wraps are slightly age-toned to the extremities. Some light bumping to the head and tail of the spine. Publisher's ink inscription to the limitations page. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and clean. Very Good Indeed