NICHOLSON, William: The English, Scotch and Irish Historical Libraries

Giving a short view and character of most of our Historians, either in print or manuscript with an account of our records, law books, coins etc, By W. Nicholson, late Bishop of Carlisle. To which is added A Letter to the Reverend White Kennet D.D. in defence of the English Historical Library. A new edition, corrected. London: Printed for T. Evans, 1776. pp. xii, 241, [7], 114, [6], viii, 90, [2 (index)]. Quarto. Bound in contemporary full polished calf, title in gilt on contrasting red and navy morocco labels on professionally rebacked spine. A fine copy.

ESTC T59467.
William Nicholson (1655-1727), Archbishop of Cashel was a native of Cumberland. He was translated to the lucrative bishopric of Derry in 1718 and eight years later to the archbishopric of Cashel. His great work was entitled ‘Historical Libraries’ of England, Scotland and Ireland. Containing a valuable list of authors and records in print and manuscript relating to the history of England, Scotland and Ireland. Walter Harris in his edition of Ware says: “he fell into many errors in this work, for want of sufficient acquaintance with the Irish manuscripts and language. But notwithstanding that, much thanks are due to him for the extraordinary pains he took to inform himself about the materials which may be had for improving Irish history”.
Three parts in one volume. A new collective edition of the following: (1) English historical library, first published in parts 1696-99; 2d ed., 1714; (2) The Scottish historical library, 1702; (3) The Irish historical library, 1724. The Scottish and Irish historical libraries have a divisional half-title and a final leaf of index each. Contains: A translation of the Irish preface to Mr. Lhuyd’s Irish Dictionary, [and], A translation of the Welsh Preface, to Mr. Lhuyd’s Glossagraphy.

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