Early work on the English coal trade. Englands Grievance Discovered, In relation to the Coal-Trade with the Map of the River of Tine, and Situation of the Town and Corporation of Newcastle... by Gardiner, Ralph - 1655

London; Printed for R. Ibbitson in Smith-field and P Stent at the White horse in Giltspur Street without Newgate, 1655., 1655. Hard Cover. FIRST EDITION. Small quarto, pp [8], 211. 23 engravings in text; the large folding engraved map by Wenceslaus Hollar and last two leaves of index provided in very good facsimile. Later full morocco by Riviere with 5 raised bands and gilt titles to spine; all edges gilt; gilt foliate dentelles. Spine lightly sunned; minor bruise top edge upper board. Leaves toned as usual, with a little scattered light foxing and soiling. The title-page and a handful of other leaves have some very expert restoration to the outer margins and corners; the last two leaves of Table at at rear and folding map in good facsimile. The rare first edition of one of the earliest books relating to the English coal trade and an important treatise originally published to interest Cromwell and his fellow parliamentarians in the troubles of Newcastle Upon Tyne. Gardner's diatribe against the Newcastle Corporation's draconian control of trade on the River Tyne (Gardner was himself imprisoned without charge for five months for brewing beer and ship repair in Chirton and North Shields, before dramatically escaping) accuses the Corporation of misuse of its royal charter and rampant corruption. The preservation of the navigability of the River Tyne for the more economic transportation of coal is requested along with protection for the inhabitants of the town; the benefits resulting from improved living conditions for the inhabitants are also pointed out. An attractive, albeit sophisticated, copy of a rare book, lacking the map as usual. Kress 924, Hollar 670, Wing G230.