Folio Archives 180: The Memoirs of Sir James Melville of Halhill by Gordon Donaldson 1969
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The Memoirs of Sir James Melville of Halhill, Containing an Impartial Account of the Most remarkable Affairs of State during the Sixteenth Century, not Mentioned by Other Historians; More Particularly Relating to the kingdoms of England and Scotland Under the Reigns of Queen Elizabeth, Mary Queen of Scots and King James. In Most of Which the Author was Personally and Publicly Concerned. Edited and introduced by Gordon Donaldson 1969
The best way to summarise this book is to reiterate the opening paragraph of the introduction –
“Sir James Melville of Halahill was a courtier not only in his native Scotland but also in England and on the Continent, in the era of the reformation and in the time of Mary, Queen of Scots, Elizabeth Tudor and Catherine de’ Medici. For many countries the period was one of crisis and decision, and for Scotland in particular the question as whether she should cast off the papacy, break her ancient allegiance with France, embrace the reformation and come to terms with England”.
It is a first-hand account of extrajudicial executions, court intrigue, civil war, imprisonment, love, lust and betrayal. Although at times the detail becomes excessive, the narrative gives an extraordinary insight into court life in Britain in the mid-1500s and the reigns of the monarchs involved.
The book is bound in dark green cloth blocked on cover and spine with a gilt device and title. There are 184 pages including and index, and nine contemporary colour illustrations – three being double pages. The 26.1x16.2cm. slipcase is light green, and the page tops are stained in the same colour. The endpapers are mottled pale green.
.... 
An index of the other illustrated reviews in the "Folio Archives" series can be viewed here.
The best way to summarise this book is to reiterate the opening paragraph of the introduction –
“Sir James Melville of Halahill was a courtier not only in his native Scotland but also in England and on the Continent, in the era of the reformation and in the time of Mary, Queen of Scots, Elizabeth Tudor and Catherine de’ Medici. For many countries the period was one of crisis and decision, and for Scotland in particular the question as whether she should cast off the papacy, break her ancient allegiance with France, embrace the reformation and come to terms with England”.
It is a first-hand account of extrajudicial executions, court intrigue, civil war, imprisonment, love, lust and betrayal. Although at times the detail becomes excessive, the narrative gives an extraordinary insight into court life in Britain in the mid-1500s and the reigns of the monarchs involved.
The book is bound in dark green cloth blocked on cover and spine with a gilt device and title. There are 184 pages including and index, and nine contemporary colour illustrations – three being double pages. The 26.1x16.2cm. slipcase is light green, and the page tops are stained in the same colour. The endpapers are mottled pale green.
.... 
An index of the other illustrated reviews in the "Folio Archives" series can be viewed here.
3GardenOfForkingPaths
Me too - Thanks! Ordered in Fine condition for the princely sum of £5.
