The book was first published in 1677 by George Marriott and sold through the shop of George Marriott in Fleet Street, London. They were no doubt related. Richard Izacke (c.1624-98) was a lawyer who had served as Chamberlain and in 1681 Town Clerk of the city of Exeter. As Chamberlain of the city he had access to the city’s archives and he produced a manuscript history of it which he dedicated to the city’s incorporation in 1665. It is here printed in the first edition. The majority of the work are descriptions of historical events related to Exeter placed in order from 1200 to 1676. Despite the fact that the early period drew on an earlier manuscript by John Hooker, the first Chamberlain of the city, the book proved popular running to several later editions. Provenance: manuscript ownership inscription of ‘Dan: Fleming’ on first free endpaper. Bonhams Knightsbridge 8 June 1999 lot 8; private English collection. Anderson p. 90; not listed in Upcott but refer p. 157, Bennett & Batten (2011) Exeter no. 7; ESTC R22442.