DAVID MASON BOOKS

CARLISLE, Nicholas. A Concise Description of The Endowed Grammar Schools In England And Wales; Ornamented With Engravings.
London: Printed For Baldwin, Cradock and Joy....by Bulmer and Co., 1818. In two volumes. First edition. Tall 8vo., full cont. calf, raised bands, elaborate gilt compartments, leather spine labels, xliv, (6), (1)-858, (1)-983pp. This is an ex-library copy with the only indication being bookplates on the front pastedowns, and a discreet library blindstamp on the titles and on a few pages throughout the book (not affecting text), some rubbing to hinges but in fact a very nice set of an uncommon and important reference work.

Nicholas Carlisle [1771-1847] antiquary. Carlisle entered the naval service of the East India Company, where he amassed considerable property as a purser. In 1807 he became Secretary to the Society of Antiquaries. "He installed himself in the Society's apartments at Somerset and dedicated his time to the execution of a series of labourious and useful compilations. Between 1808-1813 he produced topographical dictionaries of England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland. In 1818 he produced the above work, an extensive description of endowed grammar schools for which he collected information by sending out circulars. This work contains infomation on some 475 schools and is decorated with 68 engravings which are facsimiles of the seals of various schools. Carlisle also indexed the first thirty volumes of "Archaeologia." In 1812 he was appointed the assistant librarian of the Royal Library and he accompanied that collection to the British Museum.

$850.00