The first edition thus of this work, being the first edition edited by Andrew Clark. Complete in two volumes. 'Brief Lives' is a collection of short biographies, including biographies of William Shakespeare, Francis Bacon, Sir Walter Raleigh, Thomas Browne, and more. The work is written in a gossipy tone, providing vivid portrayals in his biographies. With a frontispiece to each volume, and six plates to Volume II. Written by John Aubrey. Aubrey was an antiquary who is best known for this work. He was also a pioneer archaeologist who is noted as the discoverer of the Avebury henge monument. Edited by Andrew Clark. Clark was a Church of England minister.