The Annals of the World. Deduced from the Origin of Time, and continued to the Beginning of the Emperour Vespasians Reign, and the Totall Destruction and Abolition of the Temple and Common-wealth of the Jews. Containing the Historie of the Old and New Testament, with that of the Macchabees. Also all the most memorable affairs of Asia and Egypt, and the rise of the empire of the Roman Cæsars, under C. Julius, and Octavianus. Collected from all history, as well sacred, as prophane, and methodically digested, by the most reverend James Ussher, Arch-Bishop of Armagh, and Primate of Ireland. London: Printed by E. Tyler, for J. Crook, at the sign of the Ship in St. Pauls Church-yard, and for G. Bedell, at the Middle-Temple-Gate, in Fleet-Street, 1658. First Edition. Title-page printed in red and black, additional historiated engraved title-page by Robert Gaywood after Francis Barlow, engraved frontispiece portrait of Ussher by Peter Stent. Pp [12], 907, Index [55]; lacks terminal advert leaf. Large folio. Bound in half maroon morocco, raised bands, with compartments lettered & ruled in gilt. Inner hinges reinforced. Neat marginalia through the text. A very well preserved copy in a handsome binding.

Early presentation inscription & notes to endpapers, with a later presentation inscription from Cardinal Thóman Ó’Fiaich (July 1980) . 

James Ussher, Archbishop of Armagh from 1625 to 1665, and a keen scholar, aimed to complete a history of the world from Creation to AD 70. In 1650 the result of his efforts was published in Latin: ‘Annales veteris testamenti, a prima mundi origine deducti.’ In 1658 the first English edition ‘The Annals of the World’ was published. Ussher dated creation to 23 October, 4004BC. This date has since been a guideline for scholars with a belief in the literal truth of the Bible

Cardinal Thóman Ó’ Fiaich (1923–1990) was cardinal archbishop of Armagh. A renowned historian who published widely Ó Fiaich had a particular love of Irish history.