STORY, George Walter. A Continuation of the Impartial History of the Wars in Ireland. Illustrated with Copper Sculptures describing the most Important Places of Action. Together with Some Remarks upon the Present State of that Kingdom.

IMPORTANT CONTEMPORARY HISTORY

Two volumes in one. From the Time that Duke Schomberg Landed with an Army in that Kingdom, to the 23d. of March, 1691/2 when Their Majesties Proclamation was published, declaring the War to be ended. Illustrated with Copper Sculptures describing the most Important Places of Action. London: Printed for Ric. Chiswell, at the Rose and Crown in St. Paul’s Church-Yard, 1693. Small quarto. pp. [xxiv], 328, 14 (folding maps - complete). Full panelled calf in seventeenth century style, title in gilt on red morocco label on. Ground-plat of London-Derry in superior facsimile. All edges red. A fine copy. Rare.
Wing S 5748. Sweeney 4857. There are two 1693 reissues of this work. Half-title: An impartial history of the affairs of Ireland during the last two years.
When the army for Ireland was being raised in March and April 1689, the reverend Story accompanied the Duke of Schomberg, in August, as chaplain to Thomas Gower’s regiment of foot. Gower died early in 1690, and Henry, 3rd Earl of Drogheda, succeeded him in the command. Story was an admirer and apologist of Schomberg, who was criticised for his unwillingness to risk raw troops in a pitched battle, and for the number of men lost by disease. Story was present at the Battle of the Boyne and the Siege of Limerick, and in the reign of Queen Anne became Dean of Limerick.
This is the most important contemporary history of the Williamite wars and the present tome has some excellent maps, some of which were executed by Captain Samuel Hobson, “who drew the most exact map of Londonderry”. Story dedicated this work to King William himself: “though I’m no soldier, yet four years’ conversation with men of that profession has emboldened me to address your sacred majesty”. Although Story leaves us in no doubt about his Protestant and Whig principles, on the whole this work is unbiased.

[Cat 162]