The Rise of the Dutch Republic

London: George Routledge and Sons, 1873. Leather. Good. 8" by 5.5". Not Stated. A smart single volume edition of John Lothrop Motley's historical work, in a signed straight grain morocco binding by Hatchards. A new edition, complete in one volume, and with an illustrated frontispiece. John Lothrop Motley was an American author and diplomat best known for his two history works, 'The Rise of the Dutch Republic', and 'The History of the United Netherlands'. He was an experienced diplomat who helped to prevent European intervention on the Confederate side of the American Civil War. When Motley was writing this work he found the resources available to him in the U.S inadequate. He therefore moved his family to Europe and spent five years investigating various archives in Dresden, Brussels and The Hague. The result of this research was this extremely popular work, which passed through several editions and translations.With an armorial bookplate to the front pastedown, an illustrated bookplate to the front free endpaper, with a 1962 blind stamp, and the inscription of 'D.V. Arnold', to a front blank, and his inscription and ownership stamp to the half title. In a straight grain morocco signed binding by Hatchards. With gilt detailing to back strip. Light rubbing to spine, and ink mark towards fore edge of rear board, otherwise externally excellent. Hinges strained, but firmly held. Armorial bookplate to front pastedown, with illustrated bookplate to front free endpaper. Blind stamp and contemporary inscription to a front blank, with ink ownership stamp to half title. Amateur pencil drawing to a rear blank. Internally, firmly bound. Pages age toned, with instances of significant spotting and discolouration. Good