1832 Edinburgh : History of the Blue Blanket or Craftsmens Banner

History of the Blue Blanket, or Craftsmens Banner

By Alexander Pennecuick

Printed by Thomas Turnbull and Sons, Edinburgh, 1832. We believe the first edition was in 1722 and this appears to be a reprint of an edition from 1780. Half-leather binding, 8vo, marble endpapers, Original blue printed covers bound-in. pp xxiv, 26-144.

CONDITION
A  good and complete copy still retaining its original blue printed covers. Binding good. Marble endpapers very good. All contents present and pages good throughout. No foxing or stains. Overall a good copy.

The Blue Blanket is the name of the Edinburgh Tradesmen’s Banner. Its early history is bound up in so much mythology that it is difficult to sift the actual facts from the fiction. Legend has it that it was given to the tradesmen and craftsmen of Edinburgh by James III in 1482, but there is no authentic document of the period that records the supposed event. It is also said to have been carried as the battle flag of the Edinburgh Trades at the Battle of Flodden in 1513, when a large number of craftsmen died defending it and their king. The tattered remains of the Banner are reputed to have been brought back to Edinburgh the next day by Randolph Murray, captain of the Guard, and handed over, with the dreadful tidings of the defeat of the Scottish army and the death of the king.

(Location : Platform, Edinburgh)