Handsome Heron edition of Macaulay's controversial history of England, published from 1848 to 1855, starting from the ascension of James II to peace of Ryswick in 1697. Fascinating not only for the turbulent time depicted but for Macaulay's ebullient style and the controversy that later surrounded it. A strident believer in progress and in Whig politics, critics damned the work for its whiggish interpretation of history. Recent opinion, however, is more favorable. Red faux-leather cloth witb gilt decoration. B/w illustrations. Very light foxing to top edge. Else crisp and clean. Fine.