1685 A Collection of 86 Loyal Poems all of them Written upon the Two Late Plots Viz The Horrid Salamanca Plot in 1678 and the Present Fanatical Conspiracy in 1683

Description

An Important Work, First Edition, Leather Binding

Collated, complete. This anthology is sometimes erroneously described as the second edition of Thompson's 'Choice Collection of 120 Loyal Songs'. However, this is a separate work. With the bookplate of one Robert J Hayhurst to the front pastedown. Robert J Hayhurst was a keen collector of eighteenth century literature. He inherited the retail pharmacies, John Hayhurst and Son, based in Nelson, Lancashire. Rare, only seen three times at auction in the last forty years. The Popish Plot and the Rye House Plot both fed on anti-Catholic hysteria in England and Scotland at the time. They were both alleged conspiracies to assassinate Charles II. The Popish Plot was fabricated by Titus Oates. Oates later was arrested and convicted of perjury. The Rye House Plot was a plan to assassinate Charles II and his brother, James. The plot failed due to a fire in Newmarket. However, many individuals were prosecuted for the plot. These poems were published less than five years following the plot, and the same year that James Duke of York ascended the throne. . The compiler, Nathaniel Thompson, was a Catholic Printer. Prior to the Popish Plot, Thompson sold many Popish books and beads. However, at the height of this controversy he denied his espousal of Catholicism. However, in 1682 he was formally charged as being a printer of 'libels against the religioun established'. Contemporary signature to the verso of title page, 'Wm Bushbys Book'. ESTC reference no R19822. A very scarce and important poetry collection, reflecting on the public sentiment regarding these assassination plots.