History of the Ottoman Turks, by Sir Edward S. Creasy, Richard Bentley and Son, 1878, Magdalen College, Oxford prize binding

Sir Edward Shepherd Creasy's History of the Ottoman Turks is a substantial history of the Ottoman Empire, tracing its development from its emergence under Osman I at the close of the thirteenth century through centuries of expansion, conflict and changing relations with the European powers. Creasy (1812-1878), the distinguished English historian and jurist best remembered for his enormously successful The Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World, first published the work in two volumes in 1854-1856. It had subsequently been long out of print when Creasy was asked to prepare a second edition, for which he made numerous corrections and some curtailments, while extending the narrative to encompass events following the Crimean War. Published by Bentley as the New and Revised Edition, with Creasy's introductory remarks headed Preface to Popular Edition, this 1878 issue presents the extensively revised second edition in a single volume.

This copy is particularly attractive in a handsome contemporary full polished calf armorial binding, with gilt borders to the covers and the arms of Magdalen College, Oxford, prominently displayed in gilt to both boards. Although no presentation label or inscription survives to establish its original recipient, the binding was probably produced as a Magdalen College prize binding. Combined with the exceptionally clean and bright contents, marbled endpapers and matching marbled text-block edges, it makes a particularly appealing example of this important nineteenth-century history of the Ottoman Empire.

History of the Ottoman Turks, from the Beginning of their Empire to the Present Time, by Sir Edward S. Creasy. New and Revised Edition.

Published by Richard Bentley and Son, Publishers in Ordinary to Her Majesty the Queen, London, 1878. New and Revised Edition (the second edition of the work, issued as the "Popular Edition"). Printed by Billing and Sons, Guildford.

A near fine hardback prize binding. Bound in contemporary full polished calf, the covers with gilt borders and the arms of Magdalen College, Oxford, in gilt to the upper board, apparently a College prize binding, although with no surviving presentation label or inscription. With light wear to boards and a few markings to rear. Marbled endpapers. All soundly bound.

Text is beautifully clean and bright throughout, with no spotting. With marbled edges to text block. Previous owner's name "G. Wyatt" to first blank free endpaper. A handsome volume.

Text in English.

xvi + 560pp.

Weight approximately 722g.

Dimensions: Approximately 194mm high x 135mm wide x 40mm deep.