Lot 30: CHURCH, Reverend Alfred John (1829-1912). With the King at Oxford. A Tale of the Great Rebellion.

CHURCH, Reverend Alfred John (1829-1912). With the King at Oxford. A Tale of the Great Rebellion.

London: Seeley & Co., 1886.

8vo (190 x 132 mm). 16 color or tinted plates. 19th-century school prize binding of blue calf gilt, emblem of Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School in Ashbourne gilt-stamped on front cover, spine gilt in 6 compartments, marbled edges (some scuffing and light wear). Provenance: G. Chawworth Musters (prize label dated "1886" on front pastedown).

Purportedly written by an undergraduate at Oxford in the 17th century, Church's historical novel recounts the political events and struggles occurring during the reign of Charles I. Seeley's advertisement in the 1 July 1886 issue of The Journal of Education lists this title as one suitable for school prizes and The Guardian proclaimed it "an excellent book for boys."