The True French Grammar, with a French Rudiment... For the Use of the Young Princesses

Rare early-18th century Oxford student’s copy of Malard’s French Grammar with a web of provenance through two gentry families of Airedale in Yorkshire. The earliest ownership signature is that of ‘Rich: Ferrand E. Coll: Unive. Oxon’ to the second flyleaf. A generation later appears the ownership inscription on the final flyleaves from his son in law: ‘Rob.t Stansfield Esq. Esholt Near Bradford’ and, seemingly, a gift inscription to ‘Mrs Stanton at Nunmun’[?] from the same period.

Acquired first by Richardson Ferrand of Harden Beck near Bradford sometimes shortly after he took his MA at University College, Oxford, then after his death in 1745, the book was transferred to the ownership of his son in law, Robert Stansfield of Esholt Hall a few miles along the Aire valley.

An attractive unsophisticated copy bound in contemporary full panelled calf with blind corner ornaments to the boards and 5 raised spine bands. Old penmanship to the endpapers with a stub of one endpaper that has been removed. The early notes include a calculation of numbers of children, amounting to ‘48 children’.

The book collates complete with the Locksley frontispiece opposite title page; closed tear to Ss1-2 and an additional inscription by ‘James Dawson of Esholt 1762’ (p234). Folding table at p98; musical notation to rear.

OCLC locates Penn, BL; COPAC adds Christ Church, Oxon