The History of Ancient Europe; With a View of the Revolutions in Asia and Africa, William Russell, 1793
This substantial historical work by Scottish historian William Russell (1741–1793) presents a broad, Enlightenment-era view of ancient global history. Framed as a series of didactic letters to a young nobleman, it offers a sweeping narrative of the development and decline of early European civilizations, with substantial reflections on parallel revolutions in Asia and Africa. Russell, better known for his History of Modern Europe, was celebrated for his clear prose and moral engagement with history — both of which are evident here in one of his less common titles.
The History of Ancient Europe; With a View of the Revolutions in Asia and Africa. in a Series of Letters to a Young Nobleman. By William Russell, LL. D.
London: Printed for G.G.J. and J. Robinson, London 1793. First edition. An uncommon set. WorldCat lists the London 1793 edition in fewer than 20 institutional holdings.
A good 2 Volume set, bound in full contemporary calf. Covers with rubbing and bumping, with gilt lined decoration to spine. The original morocco title labels are now largely absent. Joints are rubbed and worn, and a little weak, but all still bound.
Text is bright and clean throughout with the edges of text block toned yellow, as issued. On first free blank endpaper of Vol. I there are 2 holes. A very readable copy of a scarce first edition set.
Provenance: Signed on the half title page by Anthony Murray of Crieff, and bearing matching private library spine labels consistent with other known books from the Murray family collection. Murray, known as “Auld Dullerie,” was part of a scholarly Scottish lineage with connections to the University of Leiden, the Jacobite rising, and military and scientific service through the 18th and 19th centuries.
Text in English.
Vol I: viii + 491pp + (1) Errata;
Vol II: (ii) + 492pp + (1) Errata.
Approximate dimensions: Each volume 218mm x 139mm x c. 37mm.
Weight: Approximately 1411g (the set - unpacked).