1859 First Edition — An Index of Dates by J. Willoughby Rosse
 
Rare Antiquarian Leather Book | From the Library of Politician James Banks Stanhope
 
A beautifully preserved first edition copy of An Index of Dates by J. Willoughby Rosse, published in 1859 by Henry G. Bohn, York Street, Covent Garden, London, and printed by Billing, Printer and Stereotyper, Guildford. This authoritative historical reference work alphabetically organises major facts in world history and chronology, serving as a complete index to the enlarged edition of Blair’s Chronological Tables.
 
This remarkable volume carries provenance from distinguished historical figures, most notably James Banks Stanhope, a British Conservative MP for North Lincolnshire in the mid-19th century. Born in 1821 and the son of Battle of Waterloo veteran James Hamilton Stanhope, James Banks Stanhope resided at Revesby Abbey, Lincolnshire. His Ex Libris plate remains affixed to the front pastedown. Additionally, a second plate for Raymond Edward Elliott of Horncastle (d. 2008) appears on the front free endpaper, offering a charming glimpse into the book’s distinguished chain of ownership. A third mark of pedigree is the small ink stamp from Hatchard & Co., 187 Piccadilly, London’s oldest bookshop and bookseller to the Royal Family.
 
Features:
Original 1859 First Edition
Publisher: Henry G. Bohn, London
Printer: Billing, Guildford
942 pages, all complete
Full polished calf leather binding, with a paneled gilt-decorated spine and red title label
All-edge coloured pages, marbled endpapers and pastedowns
Historical provenance: Two Ex Libris plates (Stanhope & Elliott) and a Hatchard & Co. stamp
Interior: Neat and clean throughout, with only occasional small marks or foxing on initial pages
Binding: Tight and sound; one light partial crack near the front pastedown only
Condition: Very good: minor wear to edges and spine, slight surface scuffing to boards
 
This book is a beautiful object in itself, but also a rare and important historical resource, particularly fascinating for its impressive chain of owners. 
 
It measures approximately 18.2 cm by 13 cm, with a spine width of 5.9 cm, and weighs around 954 grams.
 
A special acquisition for the collector, historian, or bibliophile, a work of content, craftsmanship, and character.