A Collection of Ordinances and Regulations for the Government of the Royal Household Made in Divers Reigns From King Edward III. to King William and Queen Mary. Also Receipts in Ancient Cookery

London: Printed for the Society of Antiquaries by John Nichols..., 1790. FIRST AND ONLY EDITION. 4to, 271 x 217 mms., pp. [iv] v - xxii, 476, contemporary calf, stoutly rebacked with old spine and red leather label laid down; corners worn, ex-library College of Arms, London, stamp on title-page, with deaccession label on front paste-down end-paper. This very useful volume for information about the management and organization of the royal household will be of particular interest to aristologists for the section on ancient cookery, pages 425 - 476. A short quotation from the Introduction gives a good idea of the contents: "These establishments of our ancient Sovereigns preserve much curious and useful information; they shew the manner in which the Royal Person was attended upon when in full court, and at publick festivals, and assemblies; and how conducted when upon journeys and progresses in the country; they convey a just idea of the manner of living at the different period to which they relate; and of the expence incurred for the support of the dignity of our sovereigns and their families; and they point out the station, duty, and perquisites, of every officer and servant of the Court, when the office was newly established; or when experience made it necessary to introduce fresh regulations." So, for some arcane information. During the reign of Charles II, the Master of the Horse was paid an astonishing £1200 a year. The hapless Groom of the Stool [don't ask] received £33, 6s. 8d. and board wages of £966.13s.4d. Cagle 624; Oxford 119; Gross & Graves 3114; Bitting 532; Sweet & Maxwell I, 123,7; Maclean 30; Lib. Soc. Antiq. 16