CAMDEN'S BRITANNIA: KENT. FROM THE EDITION OF 1789 BY RICHARD GOUGH. by Copley, Gordon J., annotated and edited by - 1977

London: Hutchinson, 1977. 96 pp, large 8vo (9 7/8" H). B&w reproductions, double-page map. "William Camden provided in his 'Britannia' a historical and topographical survey, county by county, of England - and to a lesser extent - of Scotland and Ireland. Since he travelled the country at the vital period when the monasteries had only just been dissolved and before the destruction of ancient monuments in the Civil War and later centuries, his book remains a primary source of great value. Yet, to be restored to its full usefulness as a tool for the modern archaeologist, historian and topographer, it requires comprehensive annotation in the light of subsequent research. This immense task has been undertaken by Dr Gordon Copley, who has himself an enviable reputation in all three of these allied fields. He has collected and collated information from many sources, and personally travelled thousands of miles to visit the sites mentioned by Camden as they can be seen today. This opening volume of a series intended to cover the same ground described by the Tudor historian shows how much, despite the destruction of time and the vandalism of the developer, survives of our historic heritage. Not the least of its attractions is the rich turn of phrase which makes the notes a joy to read, and rivals the quality of Gough's English verion of Camden's original Latin." Tiny dint on front free endpaper - migrates into preliminary pages. Dust jacket has light edge wrinkling, 1/2" chip at top of front panel and 1/2" tear at top of rear panel - both repaired with cellotape, old price label and two corner creases on front flap, minor rubbing, light soiling and a few light finger marks, very light browning.. Hard Cover. Very Good+/Good+.