Description

Important association copy of the work on the famous Cambuskenneth Abbey and Monastery. Sir William Fraser, the author was one of the eminent historians of his day, the Sir William Fraser chair of History at Edinburgh University being founded in his name.

This copy bears a warm presentation inscription from Fraser to Sir Patrick Heron Watson, the pre-eminent surgeon of his day and pioneer in the development of anaesthetic. Also attached to the front pastedown is an envelope containing a letter written by Fraser to Watson, thanking him for his medical care of a relative (his dying sister, apparently) . The book was apparently gifted in return for some service associated with this care and referred to in a letter received from Watson (not present here), perhaps an offer to not take a fee for his medical work. Fraser notes that this book was a early work but was referred to by the advocate and historian Cosmo Innes in a letter to Frazer (referred to here) as “in form and beauty this is the handsomest volume that you have yet given to the world”.

The book bears the bookplate to the front endpaper of G. W. Stewart Barrow, the famous modern Scottish historian who  in a rather nice association, held the Sir William Fraser Chair of History at Edinburgh from 1979-1982.

A large and heavy volume (over 3.1 kilos, so additional postage would be required for overseas orders.

Some neat and small pencilled annotations to the text, presumably by Barrow. Barrow wrote  ‘Robert Bruce and the Community of the Realm of Scotland’ and Bruce family had connections to Cambuskenneth. Covers water- stained to front and some light wear otherwise a Good+ copy.