The National Archives have recently discovered that two early printed books appear to have been stolen from their library. In both cases the text block has been cut or pulled out of the binding and removed, leaving the empty binding on the shelf. It is thought that someone might try to get them rebound before selling them, or that someone could purchase them in the condition they are in and then seek to get them bound.
The books are:?
? LEAKE, Stephen Martin?Nummi britannici historia or, An historical account of English money, from the conquest to the uniting of the two kingdoms by King James I. and of Great Britain to the present time. With particular descriptions of each piece, and illustrated cuts of the more antient. A work hitherto unattempted … Particularly calculated for the benefit of the curious collector of English coin. ?London , W. Meadows, 1726??
PETTUS, Sir John 1613-1690, ?Fodinæ regales or, The history, laws and places of the chief mines and mineral works in England, Wales, and the English Pale in Ireland ; as also of the mint and mony, with a clavis explaining some difficult words relating to mines, &c. ?London, Printed by H.L. & R.B. for Thomas Basset
If there is any further help or advice anyone can provide please contact: ?Helen Pye-Smith?Head of Business Support and Library Services ?Tel: +44 (0)20 8392 5278?The National Archives, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 4DU ??
source: ICON Interconnect, Nov. 2010