GODWIN, William. History of the Commonwealth of England. From its Commencement, to the Restoration of Charles the Second. London: printed for Henry Colburn. 1824-1828.

GODWIN, William. History of the Commonwealth of England. From its Commencement, to the Restoration of Charles the Second. London: printed for Henry Colburn. 1824-1828.

Four volumes: xvi, 496; xvi, 696; xvi, 599; xvi, 608 pp; some foxing. Later good quality red half calf gilt, raised bands, contrasting labels, some wear on corners, but a handsome set. First edition.

He was the first writer to make a thorough use of the pamphlets in the Museum and other original documents. His thoroughness and accuracy made his book superior to its predecessors, and it is useful, though in some directions superseded by later information (Leslie Stephen's article in Dictionary of National Biography).