London and New York: G.P. Putman’s Sons, 1887.

First American edition, an illustrated version of Jewett’s comprehensive history of the Norman Conquest. With original publisher’s advertisement slip loosely inserted.

The Story of the Nations was a historical series of books which began in the UK under British publisher Thomas Fisher Unwin in 1885, and published simultaneously in the US. Jewett’s contribution was 29th in the series, following Portugal (Henry Morse Stephens) and prior to Byzantine Empire (Charles Oman). Although not a trained historian herself, the publisher’s were keen that the series be told in storylike format, and directed towards younger readers. In this way, Jewett follows the development of the Normans from the founding of Normandy to the death of the last Norman Duke of Normandy.

A lovely copy.

8vo., teal cloth lettered and decorated in black and red to upper board and spine; matching teal endpapers; pp. [viii], vii-xiv, [ii], 373, [v]; containing frontis showing the birthplace of William the Conqueror; fold out map showing Europe at the close of the 11th century; and a further 34 black and white illustrations throughout; small damp stains to verso of map and rear free endpaper; boards a little rubbed at edges and bumped at extremities; with one or two very small white stains; a very good copy.