The Life and Memorable Actions of King William III
London: Printed by W. and J. Wilde, for H. Rhodes, 1704. First edition. Hardcover. 24mo (5 3/4 x 3 1/2"). [4], 178, [6]pp (Publisher's advertisement). Modern 3/4 blue morocco over marbled paper covered boards, with gold lettering to spine. Manuscript note on fly leaf: a premium awarded to Miss Eliza Dudley for her studiousness and good behaviour in School by the Sabbath School Society, Brighton, Dec. 16th, 1827. Engraved frontispiece by Frederick Hendrik van Hove.
Published two years after the king's death, "The Life and Memorable Actions of King William III" is a panegyric biography of William III (1650 -1702), sovereign Prince of Orange from birth, Stadtholder of Holland, Zeeland, Utrecht, Gelderland, and Overijssel in the Dutch Republic from 1672, and King of England, Ireland, and Scotland from 1689 until his death.
A Protestant, William participated in several wars against the powerful Catholic king of France, Louis XIV, in coalition with Protestant and Catholic powers in Europe. Many Protestants heralded him as a champion of their faith. In 1685, his Catholic father-in-law, James, Duke of York, became king of England, Ireland and Scotland. James's reign was unpopular with the Protestant majority in Britain. William, supported by a group of influential British political and religious leaders, invaded England in what became known as the "Glorious Revolution."
Manuscript note on fly leaf age-toned and partly water-stained at lower margin. Lower corner of frontispiece slightly chipped (not affecting text or image). Minor and sporadic age-toning throughout. The last two leaves of the publisher's advertisement age-toned and slightly brittled along edges. Binding in very good, interior in good to very good condition. g to vg. Item #42703
Price: $450.00