Parker, Richard; Nicholas Cantalupe

The History and Antiquities of the University of Cambridge. In Two Parts, Containing I. Its Original and Progress in the remoter Ages [...] by Nicholas Cantalupe. II. A Description of the Present Colleges [...] by the Reverend Mr. Richard Parker.[..] 1721

London: T. Warner for J. Bateman, 1721. Octavo, later cloth binding with gilt-stamped title on leather title panel, gilt-stamped crest of the Royal Institution and date (1721) to foot of spine. Later endpapers. "Astle Library" stamped front endpaper and ownership signature front endpaper (see description below). Publisher's tint top edge. Title page printed in red and black, with a engraved illustrated vignette showing Cambridge University and an angel, followed by a second title page with the full title. Illustrated vignette title page, illustrated vignettes pp i, 27, 159, decorative headpices and tailpices, pp i, i, x, 265, v. Some offsetting to the index pages, text generally very clean. Very good condition.

A history of the University of Cambridge and its colleges, published in 1721. The book begins with a preface by Nicholas Cantalupe, writing in the fifteenth century. In a spirit of academic rivalry, Cantalupe was determined to trace the origins of Cambridge University back to at least the ninth century. He argued that "Cambridge was a renowned City at least 500 Years before there was a House of Oxford standing, and whilst brute Beasts fed, and Corn was sown on that Place, where that City is now seated; and that Cambridge was a Nursery of Leaning before Oxford was known to have a Grammar-School in it. " Cantalupe is followed by Richard Barker, fellow of Caius, writing in 1622 about the history of the university, its colleges, its wardens and masters etc., and its alumni. This copy of "The History and Antiquities of the University of Cambridge" is almost certainly from the Morant-Astle Library. This collection of books on English Historiography, formed and annotated by the Revd Philip Morant (1700-1770), the historian of Essex, was bequeathed to his son-in-law, Thomas Astle (1735-1803), antiquary and Keeper of the records at the Tower of London. The library, augmented by Astle, was purchased from his executors in 1804 by the founders of the Royal Institution for their newly established library. The Morant-Astle library was dispersed in about 1972: hence the "Astle Library" stamp and the ownership signature of Western Australian bookseller (and scientist), J.R. Johnstone,
dated May 1973. An interesting book and an excellent copy. Item #105563

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