TERRAE-FILIUS: SECRET HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD 1726 NICHOLAS AMHURST

[AMHURST, Nicholas (1697-1742)]. Terræ-Filius: or, the secret history of the University of Oxford; in several essays. To which are added, remarks upon a late book, entitled, University education, by R. Newton, D. D. Principal of Hart-Hall. London: printed for R. Francklin, under Tom’s Coffee-House, in Russel-Street, Covent-Garden, M.DCC.XXVI. [1726].

The second edition: to which is prefix’d, a dedication to the Vice-Chancellor of Oxford; two volumes bound in one; leather-bound; hardcover; duodecimo (16.5cm x 10cm x 2.5cm); pp. xxii, [1] errata, 172; [2], 173-354, [2] advertisements; English text; bound in handsome contemporary full calf gilt; smooth spine; a.e.g.; marbled endpapers; title-pages in red and black, initials; head- and tail-pieces; includes bibliographical footnotes and index; with two final pages of advertisements. Condition: GOOD. Binding secure, very light rubbing to points and extremities, some light toning and spotting throughout, lacking engraved frontispiece in vol. 1, else complete, armorial bookplate to front pastedown; a pleasing copy.

Notes: Second edition of a work anonymously published by Nicholas Amhurst. Terrae-Filius was banned by Oxford University for pointing out the university's faults. Amhurst had intimate, insider knowledge of Oxford and was very capable of discussing matters academic, social, political, religious and moral as they pertained to the colleges. The issues faced by Oxford in early 18th century were the same ones facing all of Britain; e.g., tensions between Whig and Tory, Low and High Church, etc., so that the essays present an excellent portrayal of the country during this period. [ESTC T114738].