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[Leeds, Duke of (Osborne, Thomas)].
Memoirs Relating to the Impeachment of Thomas, Earl of Danby, (Now Duke of Leeds,) In the Year 1678.
Publisher: Printed for John Morphew, London;
Date of Publication: 1710
Stock Code: 12532
First Edition. Octavo, pp. [6], 234, 110 Appendix. Contemporary full speckled calf with 5 raised bands and gilt decoration to compartments. Corners a little bruised, joints lightly rubbed; manuscript title-label. Minor annotation to front paste-down; scattered light foxing & a few leaves creased at corner tips; final blank damp stained to upper corner. An exceelnt copy in a contemporary binding. Autobiographical justification for his actions by Thomas Osborne, Duke of Leeds (formerly Earl of Danby) (1632-1712). A leading figure in government during the reign of Charles II, Osborne fell out of favour amidst widespread scandal and was imprisoned in the Tower for five years, charged with numerous offences including assuming royal powers by making treaties without the knowledge of the Council, corruption and embezzlement, and concealing the Popish Plot. His unpopularity with his contemporaries left him vulnerable to attack by his many opponents, who made numerous unsubstantiated claims against him as well as legitimate ones, but he was eventually released to become influential once again and was one of the Immortal Seven who invited William of Orange and his wife Mary to replace James II in the Glorious Revolution of 1688. He became Queen Mary’s chief adviser and was created Duke of Leeds in 1694; despite further attempts to discredit him by his rivals, Leeds remained an influential political figure for the rest of his life. £350.00