Lowndes II, 1250. Epistle to the Reader, letter from the author to his son, Melvil's Memoirs, "alphabetical table of the principal matter contained in this book" (index), "alphabetical interpretation" of Scottish words and phrases, catalogue of books printed for the publisher. James Melvil (Melville) (1535-1617) was a page to Mary Queen of Scots, emissary from Mary to Elizabeth I, and adviser to James VI of Scotland, later James I of England (DNB XIII, 240-1). See also The Popular Scotish Biography Being Lives of Eminent Scotsmen (Edinburgh: The Edinburgh Printing and Publishing Co., 1841), 557. The manuscript of Melvil's memoirs, by a circuitous route, came into the hands of Melvil's grandson, another James Melvil, who put it into the hands of the author (Henry Morley, English Writers: An Attempt Towards a History of English Literature (London: Cassell & Company, 1892), 356). Biographical sketch in The United Presbyterian Magazine by Rev. William Morison attached following text. Covers separated, rubbed and scuffed with loss at corners. Tanning, especially at edges of text. Previous owner's name on front free endpaper.