Mid 19th Century Decorative Leather Volumes, W. Charles Townsend's Memoirs of the House of Commons - 2 Book Set

Description

Title: Memoirs of the House of Commons, from the Convention Parliament of 1688-9 to the Passing of the Reform Bill, … more Title: Memoirs of the House of Commons, from the Convention Parliament of 1688-9 to the Passing of the Reform Bill, in 1832.
Author: William Charles Townsend, Esq., A.M., Recorder of Macclefield.
Publisher: London: Henry Colburn, Great Marlborough Street
Publication date: 1844.

About this item: A fusion of rich materials into one complete memorial, and present graphic a History of the Commons' House of Parliament is the design of the present work. The period selected, commencing with the Convention Parliament of 1688, and ending with the second parliament of King William IV., which suffered a total change in its constitutional character and constituency, when the royal assent was given to the Reform Bill. The work speaks of how little is known of those who claimed precedence as first commoners in the land! Within these two strongly-marked metes and bounds, the noble introduction and eventful close to modern parliamentary records, there is comprehended a space of 144 years. Townsend searched in vain no less for a complete history of the obsolete privileges of the House, than for a narrative, illustrated by examples, of the manner in which freedom of person and of speech has been impugned, advanced, and confirmed. He is far from flattering himself that he supplied the deficiency, but for the attempt solicits indulgence. Townsend (1803-1850) was an English barrister, known as a historical and legal writer.

Description: 884Pp. [Vol. I (418p.), Vol. II (466p.)]. Second Edition. Two volume complete set. Full period leather hardcovers, (5) raised bands on spine, title embossed/stamped on spine labels, gilt tooled compartments on spine cover, board edges, and surface frame of boards, full marble leaf edges and end papers, frontispiece portrait of author opposite title page of first volume.

Measures: 8.75 H x 5.75 D x 1.75 each (3.5 overall) inches. less