Signatures: a-e⁴ A-R⁸ S⁴ T-Z⁸ Aa-Oo⁸ Pp-Rr⁴ Ss⁶.
De rebus gestis Scotorum posteriores libri tres has separate title page (p. 281), with continuous pagination and signatures.
Text and marginal notes within ruled columns; text printed in large roman type, with marginal notes and errata in small roman; index in small italic type, in two columns.
First edition of Leslie's best known work, his history of Scotland based on a considerable amount of first hand research, especially in the topographical sections. Much of the earlier history is borrowed from Hector Boece and John Major, but in the later sections Leslie gives an independent account--from the Catholic point of view--which serves as a valuable counter to the point of view put forward by Knox and Buchanan. Leslie led a turbulent life, and was imprisoned twice, in England and France, as a result of his efforts on behalf of Mary, Queen of Scots whose cause he always staunchly defended. He died in an Augustinian monastery near Brussels still waiting to repossess his see at Ross whence he had been ejected nearly thirty years before.
Woodcuts: first two words of title within ornamental cartouche at head of title page; printer's device on title page (repeated on last page), featuring Saints Paul (with sword) and Peter (with keys) flanking a shield bearing the emblem of the Roman Republic with initials "S.P.Q.R." [Senatus Populusque Romanus]; ornamental initials; head- and tail-pieces.
Engravings: include double-page map of Scotland (not included in pagination), plus 11 leaves of genealogical trees, with portraits, and 1 leaf bearing coat of arms (all of which are included in pagination).