MULLOCK’S IS an auctioneer famous for sales of historical documents. It is less known for books, but a ‘local’ rarity appeared in its February sale.
This was Redivivus, Or The Portraiture Of James Late Marquess Of Montrose, Earl Of Kincardin &c, I. In his Actions, in the years 1644, 1645, and 1646, for Charles the First. 2. In his Passions, in the years 1649, 1650, for Charles the Second, King of Scots.
‘Montrose’ was printed in London in 1652 ‘for Jo. Ridley, at the Castle in Fleet-street, near Ram-alley.’
Described by Mullock’s as a “handsome” volume, the book was in clean and tight condition. A portrait frontispiece of Montrose and a folding map of Scotland added to its attractiveness.
It also had historic value. It was the first English edition of this history of the Wars of Montrose by George Wishart, published in Latin a few years earlier.
George Wishart – not the Dundee martyr of the same name – was a Scottish historian and minister, born in 1609. After refusing to take the covenant, he was imprisoned on several occasions. When James Graham, 1st Marquis of Montrose, defeated the covenanters and was approaching Edinburgh in triumph, Wishart was one of a deputation of cavalier prisoners, “whom the terrified citizens assent to him to implore his clemency.”
He then remained with the Marquis as his chaplain for the remainder of the campaign. This work is based upon these battles and adventures.
Despite its rarity, the tiny 6in x 4in volume failed to reach its £800-£1000 estimate. Yet, doing what they do best – selling documents – Mullock’s took £29,000 for a group of Mahatma Gandhi letters just a few lots later!
