Godwin, Francis.

£3,950 · Offered by Sokol Books

First edition, second issue, a presentation copy with the arms of James I, of this enlarged Latin translation of ‘A catalogue of the bishops of England’, a collection of detailed biographies of the English bishops and a valuable source book of English history. This second issue has an extra 16 page appendix listing Bishops appointed up to November 1621. It is the best known work of Francis Godwin (1562-1633), which so pleased Queen Elizabeth that she made Godwin bishop of Llandaff with immediate effect. The text is important as an Anglican attempt to establish a continuous history of an independent English church from the first arrival of Christianity to the end of the 16th C. Although partisan in purpose it is reasonably even-handed in its treatment of its subjects and is significant in the development of English historical scholarship. Diocese by diocese, a broad survey of the incumbents of the ancient bishoprics and archbishoprics is conducted, covering Canterbury, London, Winchester, Ely, Lincoln, Coventry Lichfield, Salisbury, Bath Wells, Exeter, Norwich, Worcester, Hereford, Chichester, Rochester, Oxford, Gloucester, Peterborough, St. Davids, Llandaff, York, Durham, Carlisle and Chester. Proceeding chronologically, where possible the history of appointments are given, along with any highlights of episcopal incumbency and accounts of particular bishops. In instances where nothing but a name survives, it is duly noted. The work comprises a very valuable history of the see

• Binding: Hardcover

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