Munimenta Antiqua; or Observations on Antient Castles

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167 plates, (2 coloured, depicting 3 views), 4 Volumes bound as 2. In contemporary full long grain red morocco by Staggemeir & Welcher(with their blue paper label to fpd Vol1), corners and edges bumped and worn, decorative blind tooling, also some edge gilt tooling. Spines, raised bands, decorative blind tooling, titles in gilt, some wear along joints, edges bumped and worn. Internally, gilt tooling along board edges, decorative gilt cabling to turn-ins, all edges gilt, bookplates of Edward Henry Scott and Sir AE Richardson to fpds, some light offsetting, but generally a very good copy. Vol 1, contains vol 1 & 2, half title, frontis, [4], [1], (ii-xxxii), [1], 2-345 pp, [1], [3] index, [1], [4] index, [2] pl list, [1] errata. [1], 29 plates (some folding), 1 vignette. Half title, frontis, 1801, G&W Nichol, [4], [1], (ii-iv), [1], 2-289 pp, [1], [2] index, [9] index, [2] pl list,[1] errata, 37 pls (some folding, 2 pls coloured showing 3 images), printed by W Bulmer and Co, Cleveland-row, St James's. Vol 2, contains vol 2 & 3, half title, frontis, 1804, [4], [1], (ii-vi), [1], 2-270 pp, [2] index, [8] index, [2] pl list, 41 pls (some folding and huge). Frontis, 1806, [4], [1], (ii-vi), [4], [1], 2-279 pp, [1], [12] index, [4], [1], 2-35 pp, [1], [10], index, [1], advert, [1], [1] index, [1], [2] l list, 60 pls. Contains the Appendix Containing the Answers to M.P.L. Dutens, in reply to his 2nd, 3rd, and 4th publications on the Subject of his Invention of the Arch, 1806. (Lowndes 1273. Avery AH42A59. Allibone 1030. Brunet 662). (34kg packed!). King, writer and antiquary, whose Munimenta antiqua is typical of his somewhat idiosyncratic approach to antiquarian studies but nevertheless makes a strong case for architectural history and the close analysis of form and style (if less successfully effected). King argued that antiquarianism was a science and that antiquarian research should therefore be conducted in accordance with scientific models of measurement and comparison rather than being concerned with picturesque views. Though many of his contemporaries were contemptuous of his 'foolish theories' (the Monthly Review was particularly critical of his obsession with concealed entrances and secret passages) his work was widely cited, and influenced, for example, George Chalmer's Caledonia (1810); the plans and plates are generally recognized to have had some lasting value. See ODNB.