John Willcock; The Great Marquess, 1903, & A Scots Earl, in Covenanting Times, 1907

A well-matched two-volume set of John Willcock’s detailed biographical studies of the Argyll family, focusing on two of the most significant figures in seventeenth-century Scottish history. The Great Marquess (1903) examines Archibald Campbell, 8th Earl and 1st Marquess of Argyll, a central figure in the Covenanting movement and the turbulent politics of the Civil War period, while A Scots Earl in Covenanting Times (1907) continues the narrative with the life of his son, the 9th Earl of Argyll, whose career was likewise shaped by religious conflict and political upheaval.

Together, the volumes provide a substantial and engaging account of Scotland during one of its most dramatic periods, combining careful historical research with contemporary narrative style, and are enhanced by illustrations and a fold-out map in the second volume.

Comprises:

The Great Marquess; Life and Times of Archibald, 8th Earl, and 1st (and only) Marquess of Argyll (1607-1661). By John Willcock, B.D. Published in Edinburgh and London by Oliphant Anderson & Ferrier, 1903. First edition; and; 

A Scots Earl, in Covenanting Times: Being Life and Times of Archibald 9th Earl of Argyll (1629-1685). By John Willcock, B.D. Published in Edinburgh by Andrew Elliot, 1907. First edition. 

A set of 2 very good red cloth hardbacks in matching covers, with gilt armorial to front and gilt titles to spines. With mild wear and bumping, and a little faded to spines.

With shiny gilt top edge. Vertical and lower edges of text block are spotted at extremities. Otherwise text is bright and clean throughout. Some scattered spotting to the first few pages of the 1907 volume.

Text in English.

The Great Marquess: xxiii + 396pp + (4) Publisher's advertisements. With guarded frontispiece + all Plates present as called for; 

A Scots Earl: xix + (1) Errata + (1) List of Illustrations + 453pp. With guarded frontispiece + all Plates present as called for, including fold-out map.