Front cover detached, spine bottom chipped, covers worn, bookplates inside covers on marbled endpapers, small smudge margin p.47, sm. 1/8" hole margin of leaf 193-4, margin of leaf between pp. 246-7; This compendious work contains the history of the origins and the heraldic and chivalric codes embodied in the ancient order of knighthood known as the Order of the Garter by the author, Ashmole (1617-1692) , called "the greatest virtuoso and curioso that ever was known or read of in England before his time, " who was interested in occult and metaphysics and was a member of the Freemasons. All plates present and in fine condition, with magnificent steel plates, as noted, no foxing in entire textblock which is in fine condition; Steel Plates; 720 + long appendix pages

Knighthood Chivalry Heraldry Freemasonry Masonic Connection English History Feudal Order Royal Honor Elite Order