A Short Narrative of the Late Dreadful Fire in London Edward Waterhouse Early Works to 1800

Edward Waterhouse?s account of the Great Fire of London of September 1666 was issued less than a year after the disaster, presenting an eyewitness account of the events within a providential framework. While describing the rapid spread of the flames and scenes of panic, Waterhouse casts the fire as not merely a historical event, but a sermon directed at the soul of the nation: the destruction not random, but an expression of God?s judgement upon a wicked city by referencing the fires that struck down Sodom and Gomorrah. At the same time, by not destroying London wholesale, the Great Fire could also be seen as a call to repentance. This book provides a window into the spiritual, political, and urban anxieties and aspirations of Restoration England immediately after one of its greatest calamities. Provenance: The ownership signature of Sir John Thorowgood on the title page is likely to be that of Sir John Thorowgood (alternatively Thoroughgood) of Kensington (ca. 1595-1675), who is known for successfully playing for both sides in tumultuous 17th century England, serving in trusted positions in the English governments before and after the English Civil War, as well as in the Interregnum government. While he authored at least one book (The King of Terrors Silenced? London, 1665), he does not appear to have been an inveterate book collector, as I can only find one other book with his owner mark (The Historie of the Most Renowned and Victorious Princesse Elizabeth. London: Benjamin Fisher, 1630, ownership signature dated 1645). Dying without issue, his will appears to have been generous to his extended family, and it does not mention a library or collection of books. There is additionally a large ownership signature on the verso of the title page (bleeding onto the title somewhat): 'Jonathan Craven his book, 1748' [in a previous auction of this volume at Sworders, the year was transcribed as 1710, however, it looks more like 1748 to me]. [2], 190 pp. Octavo: A-M? Leaf A2 mis-signed 'B2'. [942.1 W293s]. Heavy binding wear including cracked front joint (and hinge loose, cover may come detached rather easily) and several small holes punched through the back cover and going a few pages into the volume (no text loss). Text with moderate toning throughout, some stains to bottom outer corners. not affecting text; leaves A2 & M8 corner loss not affecting text; large losses affecting text and readability of pp. 17-20 (leaves B2-B3), see photos; lacks front free endpaper. Despite these flaws, still overall Very Good-