Search Results: britannia antiqua illustrata or the antiquities by aylett sammes

London: Printed by Tho. Roycroft, for the Author, 1676. First edition. Hardcover. g. Folio. [10], 582, [6]pp. Modern 3/4 crushed morocco over black cloth with title laid on spine. Vignette. Title page in red and black lettering. Decorative headpieces and initials. Sammes' elaborate "Britannia Antiqua Illustrata, or the Antiquities of Ancient Britain derived from the Phœnicians" (London, 1676) only appeared as Vol. I. It was licensed by Roger L'Estrange in March 1675, and dedicated to Heneage Lord Finch, baron of Daventry and Lord High Chancellor of England. This interesting work brings down the narrative of British history to the conversion of Kent. It deals with the Roman period, but its main thesis is of the Phœnician derivation of the language. It reproduces ancient documents, such as the Laws of King Ina. The views derived from Strabo and the work of John Twyne. Sammes gave etymological reasons connecting Phoenician with Welsh, but did not accept the descent of the Cymry from Gomer. While the… Read More