Books Printed before 1701
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WITH A TITLE PAGE WOODCUT OF A PRINTING OFFICE
1. APPIANUS. De Civilibus Romanorũ bellis Historiarum libri quinque .... Paris: Michaelis Vascosani, 1538. Fol. [36], 283, [1], [20], 41 p. Woodcut on title (repeated on second title) of a printing office in operation, woodcut initials. Old vellum. Tiny blank piece at bottom of title page neatly replaced, neat early repairs at foot of title and in fore-edges of last several leaves, browning of text. A nice copy. $1400.00
The Decembrio translation of the Roman history of Appianus of Alexandria, accompanied by a similar history by Velleius Paterculus. This edition is especially notable for its great printer's mark—a version of the "Praelum Ascensianum" of Josse Bade. In its original use by Bade this woodcut was the first representation of a printing office. Vascosan married into Bade's family and used this mark in a few books. BMC (French) p. 21; Adams A1345.
2. ARWAKER, EDMUND. The Vision: A Pindaric Ode: Occasion'd by the Death of ... King Charles II. London: By J. Playford, for Henry Playford, 1685. Folio. [2], 6 p. Title within mourning rules. Modern leatherette. $550.00
Second edition, first printed earlier the same year. Wing A3914.
BACON'S TWO BOOKES: FIRST EDITION, 1605
3. BACON, FRANCIS. The Twoo Bookes of Francis Bacon. Of the Proficience and Advancement of Learning, Divine and Humane. London: For Henrie Tomes, 1605. 4to. [1], 45, 118 [i.e., 121] leaves. Lacks final blank 3H2 and, as always, the rare two leaves of errata at the end. Late eighteenth-century half calf and marbled boards (extremities of boards worn), very skillfully and imperceptibly rebacked retaining entire original spine. Small worm trail in the bottom margin of quires 2D-2F, occasional minor marginalia in an early hand, else a lovely copy. Early signature of Row'd Wetherald on title, signature of Horatio Carlyon, 1861, on front pastedown. Sachs bookplate and a modern leather book label. In a calf-backed clamshell box. $7500.00
First edition. The Two Bookes is Bacon's preliminary statement of his massive plan to survey all human knowledge and to reorganize scientific method, as he later propounded in Instauratio Magna and De Augmentis Scientiarum. Pforzheimer 36; Gibson 81; Grolier, Langland to Wither, 12; Grolier/Horblit 8a; Norman 97; STC 1164.
4. BAKER, SIR RICHARD. A Chronicle of the Kings of England. From the time of the Romans Goverment, unto the Death of King James.... London: For H. Sawbridge, B. Tooke, and T. Sawbridge, 1684. Fol. [48], 750, [42] p. Port., engraved title. Contemporary calf, very worn at extremities, neatly rebacked, later endpapers. Overall foxing and soiling. $450.00
Later edition of Baker's highly popular Chronicle, written (like most of Baker's other books) while he was in Fleet prison. Wing B509.
BARCLAY'S EXPOSITION OF THE QUAKER THEOLOGY: THE VERY RARE FIRST EDITION, IN A CONTEMPORARY BINDING
5. BARCLAY, ROBERT. Theologiae verè Christianae Apologia. Amsterdam: Jacob Claus, for Benjamin Clark (London), Isaac van Neer (Rotterdam), and Heinrich Betke (Frankfurt), 1676. 4to. [24], 374, [25] p. Contemporary sprinkled calf, blind fillet around covers and run twice along spine, gilt sawtooth roll on board edges, spine with gilt fillet above and below each cord, old paper ms. title label. Hinges split but held securely by cords, corners bumped and tips worn through, spine with very faint white-ish cast. Internally there is a slight dampstain at the top margin, some slight, sporatic foxing and browning, and the edges of the endpapers are discolored from the leather turn-ins. A very good copy. $8000.00
The rare first edition of the classic exposition of the Quaker theology, in a very attractive contemporary binding. Following the founding of the Society of Friends by George Fox in 1647, its adherents issued a large body of minor polemical pamphlets and tracts. Barclay, the descendant of an ancient Scottish family, possessed "a degree of learning and logical skill very unusual amongst the early Quakers" (DNB), and was the first to rationally set forth the tenets of the Society. In 1675 he published his Theses Theologiae, a series of 15 propositions spelling out Quaker beliefs. The Apologia, which Barclay had printed in Amsterdam during a period of travel or voluntary exile, is a reasoned defence of each of the 15 theses set forth in the earlier work. As expressed by Barclay, the essential principle of the Quaker philosophy is that each human being possesses an "inner light," by which the soul perceives the truth of divine revelation; it follows from this that outward ceremonies and sacraments are irrevelant. Barclay's "recognition of a divine light working in men of all creeds harmonises with the doctrine of toleration, which he advocates with great force and without the restrictions common in his time" (DNB).
Barclay's Apologia is one of the great theological works of the seventeenth century, and it remains remarkable for the clarity and logic of its exposition. It was first published in English in 1678, widely translated, and remains in print today. The original Latin edition is very rare, and was probably printed in a very small number. The present copy, in a simple but lovely contemporary binding, is most desirable. Wing B736a.
EARLY TEXT ON ANCIENT SHOES
6. BAUDOUIN, BENOÎT, and GIULIO NEGRONE. B. Balduinus De calceo antiquo, et Jul. Nigronus De caliga veterum.... Amsterdam: Andreae Frisi, 1667. 12mo. [12], 345, [29], 213, [15] p. 21 (of 28?) engraved plates, lacking 7 folding plates. Later vellum. Title page torn and backed, affecting engraved vignette, some dampstaining. Imperfect, thus $600.00
Two works printed together and both dealing with ancient footware, chiefly Greek and Roman. Benoît Baudouin (d. 1632) went from making breeches to more scholarly pursuits, ending up as the principal of the college in Troyes, while Giulio Negrone (1553-1625) was a Jesuit and instructor in rhetoric, philosophy, and theology. Both works are illustrated with full-page engravings, showing footware, coins, monuments, and artistic reconstructions, including one showing the Pope with his unique liturgical shoes. This is the first edition of Baudouin's work. DeBacker-Sommervogel vol. V, col. 1616.
ARMORIAL BINDING
7. (BINDING). Martial. Epigrammata demptis obscenis. Paris: Apud viduam Simonis Bénard, 1693. 12mo. [8], 690, [30] p. Contemporary brown morocco, covers with gilt fleurs-de-lys and interlaced crescents at alternate corners, large central gilt arms of the town of Bordeaux, edges gilt. A very pretty copy. With the bookplates (two) of Camille Aboussouan. $600.00
For binding see Oliver 2386, fers 2 & 6; Schweiger 599.
HUDIBRAS: FIRST EDITIONS OF ALL THREE PARTS
8. BUTLER, SAMUEL. Hudibras. The First Part. London: By J. G. for Richard Marriot, 1663. [4], 268 p. [with:] Hudibras. The Second Part. London: By T. R. for John Martyn, and James Allestry, 1664. [2], 216 p., lacking imprimatur leaf. [With:] Hudibras. The Third and Last Part. London: For Simon Miller, 1678. [2], 285, [2] p. incl. errata leaf. 3 vols. Washed and rebound in uniform simple full brown levant, edges gilt, by Zaehnsdorf for A. C. McClurg. Some residual soiling, vol. 2 with closed tear in title and front hinge cracking slightly and cropped a bit closely cutting into a few running heads and shoulder notes. $2200.00
First authorized editions of vols. 1 and 2, first edition of vol. 3, being Thorson's editions A, N, and R. The date in the imprimatur leaf of v. 1 reads "Novemb. 11. 1662." Wing B6300, B6309, and B6313.
HUDIBRAS: 1684
9. BUTLER, SAMUEL. Hudibras . . . Written in the Time of the Late Wars. London: By T. N. for Henry Herringman, and are to be sold by T. Basset, 1684. [2], 221, [3], 223-412, [2], 254 p. Later straight-grain crimson morocco, all edges gilt, by Lloyd. Modern bookplate of Herbert Standen. Very good, clean. $500.00
A reissue of all three parts, with cancel titles. Wing B6319.
HUDIBRAS: THE FIRST TWO PARTS
10. [BUTLER, SAMUEL]. Hudibras. The First Part. London: By J. G. for Richard Marriot, 1663. 12mo. [4], 128 p. [Bound with:] Hudibras. The Second Part. London: By T. R. for John Martyn and James Allestry, 1664. 8vo. [4], 125 p., lacking preliminary and terminal blanks. Straight-grain black morocco, richly gilt, all edges gilt, by Lloyd, Wallis & Lloyd. Some scuffing along hinges, occasional cropping of a letter or two in a running head or catchword, else very good. $900.00
Fifth authorized edition (Thorson's edition E) of the first part, bound with the second authorized edition (Thorson's edition O) of the second part. Wing B6302A, B6310.
CARTWRIGHT'S PLAYS AND POEMS
11. CARTWRIGHT, WILLIAM. Comedies, Tragi-Comedies, with other Poems. London: For Humphrey Moseley, 1651. 8vo. Engraved port. by P. Lombart. 5 section titles, with the duplicate leaves U1-3 as usual, blank f4 present, b2 folded and untrimmed to preserve shoulder notes. Modern calf, very skillfully executed in seventeenth-century style. Title and dedication leaf and a few running heads slightly cropped by the binder's knife, and one note to the binder cropped. A very nice, complete copy of a bibliographically confusing book. The Arthur Spingarn copy, rebound, with his bookplate and collation notes laid in. $2400.00
First edition of Cartwright's works, containing both plays and poems. The preliminaries, which occupy over a hundred pages and contain more than fifty commendatory and elegiac poems, are bibliographically confusing due to cancelled and inserted leaves that vary between copies (see Greg for an analysis). This copy collates the same as the Hayward copy except it contains an additional leaf of commendatory verse inserted following a7. The frontispiece portrait of Cartwright in his library is interesting in that it depicts the old custom of placing books on the shelves fore-edge outward. Greg 3:1027; Hayward 104; Wing C-709.
12. CHARLES I. Articles of Peace between Charles ... with John the 4. King of Portugal, Algerres, &c. .... London: For J. Harrison, 1642. 4to. [8] p. Removed. Some soiling. $100.00
Wing C2147A.
13. CHARLES I. His Majesties Letter and Declaration to the Sheriffes and City of London. January 17. 1642. Oxford: By Leonard Lichfield, January 18, 1642. 4to. [2], 6 p. Modern cloth. $325.00
Wing C2385B?
14. CHARLES II. Articles of Peace, Commerce, & Alliance, between the Crowns of Great Britain and Spain. Concluded in a Treaty at Madrid.... In the Savoy: By the assigns of John Bill and Christopher Barker, 1667. 4to. 32 p. Modern cloth. $250.00
Wing C2910.
15. CHARLES II. His Majesties Gracious Speech to both Houses of Parliament ... the 21st of October, 1680. London: By John Bill, Thomas Newcomb, and Henry Hills, 1680. Folio. 7 p. Modern cloth. $300.00
Wing C3066.
16. CHARLES II. His Majesties Gracious Speech, Together with the Lord Chancellors, to both Houses of Parliament ... the 23d of May, 1678. London: By John Bill, Christopher Barker, Thomas Newcomb and Henry Hills, 1678. Fol. 19 p. Modern buckram. Title page with some stains and an early repair costing part of the imprint. $300.00
First edition. Wing C3085.
CHAUCER'S WORKES, 1602
17. CHAUCER, GEOFFREY. The Workes of our Ancient and Learned English Poet, Geffrey Chaucer, Newly Printed. London: By Adam Islip, 1602. Folio (315 x 205 mm.). [23], 179, 178-350, 353-376, [13] leaves. Title surrounded by woodcut border. Lacking initial blank [a]1, as always, and errata leaf 3U8. Copperplate portrait of Chaucer surrounded by the arms of his progeny by John Speed. Woodcuts of Chaucer's arms and of the knight, woodcut initials. Black letter. Late nineteenth-century dark brown morocco, blind panel on covers, edges gilt. Small worm track in the margin of the first several gatherings, two very minor repaired tears, one blank corner torn away. A very clean, attractive copy. 1882 gift inscription on front endpaper. $9000.00
Edited by Thomas Speght, revised with the aid of Francis Thynne. According to Pforzheimer, this edition is "the earliest in which thorough punctuation was attempted, and in many other ways it is a distinct improvement upon Speght's first edition [of 1598]." Virtually every early copy of Chaucer that becomes available has been repaired, cleaned, rebound, &c., and the portrait is usually missing. This is quite a lovely copy, wanting only the errata leaf at the end. STC 5080; Pforzheimer 178; Grolier, Langland to Wither, 44.
IDOL OF THE CLOWNES
18. [CLEVELAND, JOHN]. The Idol of the Clownes, or Insurrection of Wat the Tyler, with his Priests Baal and Straw.... London: Printed in the year, 1654. Small 8vo. [12], 154 p. Full polished calf, spine gilt, edges gilt, by Riviere. Without final blank L4. Front cover cleanly detached, a few very tiny repairs. $1200.00
Second edition, published the same year as the first edition with a slightly altered subtitle. The Rebellion of 1381. Grolier, Wither to Prior, 176; Wing C-4673.
FIRST QUAKER TO REACH PENNSYLVANIA: 1658
19. COALE, JOSIAH. The Books and Divers Epistles of the Faithful Servant of the Lord Josiah Coale.... [London]: Printed in the year, 1671. 4to. 28, 33-104, 152, 269-343 [i.e., 344] p. Complete as issued. Contemporary calf, neatly rebacked and recornered, later (but old) endpapers. Modern bookplate. $3000.00
First edition. Pages 14 through 19 contain a testimony by William Penn, most likely written while Penn was in prison. The testimony expresses great love and admiration for Coale. Josiah Coale was one of Penn's intimate friends during Penn's first years as a Quaker. Coale had been one of the early missionaries to the New World and was likely the first Quaker to touch Pennsylvania soil in 1658 (Bronner & Fraser p. 131). The text, erratically paginated but complete and conforming to the other known copies, contains several different essays and testimonies, including "An Epistle to Friends in New-England," "To the Flock of God, Gather'd out of the World in the Province of Maryland," "To all People in Jamaica," &c. "The VVhore Unveiled" has a separate title page dated 1667. European Americana 671/82; Wing C4751; Bronner & Fraser (Penn) 13; Baer (Maryland) 68; JCB(3) III:215.
OF CRUCIFIXES AND NAILS
20. CORTE, CORNEILLE DE. De clavis dominicis liber. Antwerp: Andreae Frisii, 1670. 12mo. [36], 158, [19] p. + final blank H6. Engraved fore-title, engraved vignette on title page, and 16 engravings by Arnold Loemans. Contemporary vellum. A very good copy. Bookplate. $400.00
A work on the crucifixion of Christ by the Augustinian friar Corneille de Corte (1590-1638), with discussion of various artistic representations thereof, focussing on the nails and the wounds caused by them. This edition begins with an engraved title-page and is illustrated with 17 engravings by Arnold Loemans, all but one full-page, including some varied and interesting depictions of crucifixes.
COWLEY'S POEMS
21. COWLEY, ABRAHAM. Poems: viz. I. Miscellanies. II. The Mistress, or, Love Verses. III. Pindarique Odes. And IV. Davideis, or, a Sacred Poem of the Troubles of David. London: For Humphrey Moseley, 1656. Fol. [22], 41, [1], 80, [4], 70 [i.e., 68], 154, 23 p. Contemporary paneled calf, edges gilt; very skillfully rebacked to style, later endpapers. Occasional minor spots and repaired marginal tears, 3L2 soiled and with a paper defect costing several letters. A lovely copy. Early signature of Edmund Henry Marshall on title; "Ex Libris George Bernard Shaw" on front endpaper. $2500.00
First collected edition of Cowley's verse. "This folio collection passed through eight editions in a generation and represents the canon of Cowley's works upon which his contemporary fame was based. It was prepared for the press while the author was in prison...." Pforzheimer 233; Perkin A19; Hayward 89; Grolier, Wither to Prior, 224; Wing C-6682.
DANIEL'S HISTORY OF ENGLAND: 1626
22. DANIEL, SAMUEL. The Collection of the History of England. London: For Simon Waterson, 1626. Folio. [8], 222 p. + final blank V4. Contains the imprimatur leaf preceding the title but lacks the dedication leaf, which was an insert between A2 and A3 and is frequently lacking. Title within ornamental border. Modern half blue morocco, cloth slipcase. Leaves K3-4 in early pen facsimile. Several small tears repaired and now turning a bit brown, corner of M5 replaced costing a few letters of marginal notes, dampstain at top margin. $900.00
One of the best known early histories of England, from Roman days through Edward III. STC 6251.
THE BEAUFORT-LEO-NEWTON COPY
23. DAVENANT, SIR WILLIAM. The Works of Sr. William Davenant Kt. Consisting of those which were formerly Printed, and those which he Design'd for the Press: Now Published out of the Authors Originall Copies. London: By T. N. for Henry Herringman, 1673. Folio. [8], 402, [4], 486, 111 p. Portrait by Faithorne. Turn-of-the-century red levant morocco, gilt arabesque centerpiece on covers, a.e.g., by Riviere. Very skillfully rebacked, though the new leather at the joints and on the cords has uniformly faded. An unusually fine, fresh, wide-margined copy, with a fine impression of the portrait. Leather-tipped fleece-lined slipcase (edges rubbed). The Duke of Beaufort-E. F. Leo-A. E. Newton copy, with their bookplates. $2200.00
First collected edition, containing considerable previously unpublished material. The tragi-comedy "The Law Against Lovers," first printed in this edition, is a mixture of the plots of Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" and "Measure for Measure." There is prefatory matter by Hobbes, Waller, and Cowley. Wing D-320.
24. A DECLARATION and Vindication of the Lord Mayor, Aldermen and Commons of the City of London in Common-Councell Assembled. [London:] By James Flesher, 1660. 4to. [2], 26 p. Text partly in black letter. Modern cloth. Bottom margin of title torn with loss of part of date. $300.00
Wing D559.
CHOOSE YOUR CROWN
25. DREXEL, JEREMIAS. Gymnasium patientiae. Coloniæ Agrippinae [i.e., Cologne, but actually Amsterdam]: Apud Cornelium ab Egmond [i.e., Blaeu], 1632. 16mo. [14], 376, [2] p.; Engraved plates. Contemporary vellum with yapp edges. Spine moderately soiled, else a very good copy. $300.00.
Jesuit father Jeremias Drexel here presents three lengthy meditation on Christian patience, and on the spiritual benefits of accepting suffering. Each is preceded by an engraving presenting (1) the choice between a worldly crown and the crown of thorns; (2) the rewards of those who accept the crown of thorns; and (3) Jesus on the cross, and an angel beside him holding a flowering crown of thorns. The engraved title-page capitulates the theme of the two crowns. Cornelius ab Egmond was a pseudonym used by Blaeu in Amsterdam. DeBacker-Sommervogel III, coll. 193-194, no. 12.
26. ENGLAND. PARLIAMENT. An Act for the Attainder of the Rebels in Ireland. At the Parliament begun at Westminster the 17th Day of September ... 1656. London: Henry Hills and John Field, 1657. Fol. [2], 24 p. + final blank G2. Modern boards, leather spine label. Light dampstain in margins of a few leaves. $250.00
Printed in Black letter. Wing E1092.
27. ENGLAND. PARLIAMENT. The Debates in the House of Commons Assembled at Oxford the Twenty First of March, 1680. [colophon: London: For R. Baldwin, 1681.] Folio. 20 p. Modern cloth. $250.00
The Exclusion Bill, to prevent the Duke of York from becoming the popish successor to the throne. Wing E2546.
28. ENGLAND. PARLIAMENT. A Declaration of the Parliament of England, Concerning a Paper Subscribed by the Commissioners of Scotland, Dated 24 Febr. 1649/50.... [colophon: London: For Edward Husband, Febr. 27, 1648.] Folio. [2] p. paginated 53-54 and signed M, + conjugate blank. Caption title. Modern cloth. $175.00
Printer's imprint on verso of first leaf.
29. ENGLAND. PARLIAMENT. A Ordinance for Alteration of Several Names and Forms Heretofore Used in Courts, Writs, Grants ... in Courts of Law.... [colophon: London: By Henry Hills, 1653.] Folio. Pp. 9-15. Caption title. Modern cloth. $175.00
The imprint appears on the final page of text.
30. ENGLAND. PARLIAMENT. The Proceedings of the Honourable House of Commons, who met at Oxford, March 21. 1680/1.... London: For John Peacock, 1681. Folio. [2], 12, [4] p. Modern cloth. Title a trifle dusty. $300.00
Wing E2685.
FIRST ELZEVIR EDITION: "TRÈS BIEN IMPRIMÉE"
31. ERASMUS, DESIDERIUS. Adagiorum D. Erasmi Roterodami epitome. Amsterdam: Ludovicum Elzevirium, 1650. 12mo. [24], 622, 72 p. + final blank 2F12. Old calf. Title page in red and black with the Minerva vignette. Title somewhat soiled, else a very nice copy. $600.00
First Elzevir edition of the epitome or abridged text of Erasmus's Adagia, a collection of Latin and Greek sayings arranged by topic. Willems calls this edition "très bien imprimée." The text is printed in roman and a rather handsome Greek font with the authors referenced in sidenotes in a smaller roman. Willems 1109.
GERMAN HISTORICAL CHRONICLE
32. ERDMUTHE SOPHIA, Margravin. Sonderbahre Kirchen-Staat-und Welt-Sachen. Nuremberg: Wolfgang Moritz Endter, 1689. 12mo. [12], 693, [251] p. incl. blank 2H4. Port., engraved fore-title, 2 folding tables. Contemporary vellum. A fine copy. $475.00
Erdmuthe Sophia's popular chronicle of world history, revised and augmented by Johann Georg Layriz. The author was consort of Christian Ernest, margrave of Brandenburg-Culmbach.
WITH FULL-PAGE HOLBEIN WOODCUTS
33. FREIBURG IM BREISGAU. Nüwe Stattrechten und Statuten der Statt Fryburg im Pryszgow gelegen. [Basle: Adam Petri, 1520]. Folio. [12], xcvii leaves + terminal blank leaf. 2 large Holbein woodcuts, with the illustrations repeated a second time. Modern full calf. Light old ink stain in the bottom blank margin of two leaves, scattered foxing on a few leaves, else a clean, very attractive copy with wide margins. $4500.00
The statutes of the city of Freiburg, compiled by Ulrich Zasius—humanist, jurist, and friend of Erasmus. The book contains two important early woodcuts by Hans Holbein the younger, each of which is repeated a second time. Occupying virtually the entire title page is a grandiose woodcut of the arms of Freiburg (Basel 346), repeated on B1r. On the verso of the title page is a full-page woodcut, signed "H H," of the Madonna and child enthroned with St. George and Bishop Lambert (Basel 347), repeated on B1v. The text also contains 6 historiated and 32 ornamental initials. BM, German, 319.
34. (FRIENDS, SOCIETY OF). Crisp, Steven. De Weg tot het Koningryk der Hemelen .... Amsterdam: Steven Swart, 1695. [8], 302, [2] p. Contemporary vellum (a trifle warped). $250.00
Crisp's The Way to the Kingdom of Heaven, translated into Dutch by the noted Quaker historian William Sewel. This copy bears Sewel's signature on p. [6], at the conclusion of the introduction. Smith I p. 477.
35. [GARBRAND, JOHN]. The Grand Inquest, or a Full and Perfect Answer to Several Reasons. By which it is Pretended His Royal Highness the Duke of York may be Proved to be a Roman-Catholick. London: For James Vade, 1680. 4to. [3]-26 p., wanting either preliminary blank or a half title. Modern buckram. $325.00
First of three editions. Wing G203.
36. [GEE, EDWARD]. A Second Letter to Father Lewis Sabran, Jesuite, in Answer to his Reply. London: For Henry Mortlock, 1688. 4to. 16 p. Removed. $90.00
Wing G460.
ATTIC NIGHTS
37. GELLIUS, AULUS. Noctes atticae. Venice: Ioannes Gryphius, 1550. 8vo. [64], 591, [1] p. Elaborate woodcut initials. Neat modern vellum. A near fine copy. $800.00
The Noctes Atticae is a random collection of essays compiled by Gellius (ca. ad 130-180?) for the amusement of his children. They cover a variety of topics, e.g., philosophy, history, language, and literature, preserve thousands of intriguing passages from works now lost, and include a number of interesting stories, among them Androclus and the Lion (5.14). This is one of many 16th-century editions of this popular author, and includes an especially striking example of John Gryphius's Griffon device on the last page. Schweiger, vol. I, p. 378.
GERARD'S GREAT HERBAL: 1633
38. GERARD, JOHN. The Herball or Generall Historie of Plantes. London: By Adam Islip, Joice Norton, and Richard Whitakers, 1633. Folio. Engraved title, [36], 30, 29-30, 29-1630, [48] p. Illustrated with over 2500 woodcuts of plants. Early nineteenth-century panelled calf, neatly rebacked retaining original fully gilt spine. Title lightly soiled but complete and free of any repair, blank fore- and bottom edges of A4-5 neatly extended, a few marginal tears neatly closed, intermittant faint dampstain in top margin becoming a bit more noticeable toward the end of the text, marginal repair to 7A1 (index) costing several page numbers, blank lower corner of 7B5 replaced. A very good and most attractive copy, without the extensive repairing and sophistication that nearly always comes with early English herbals. With an ownership inscription and cost dated 1634. $8000.00
The first printing of the second and "best" edition of John Gerard's great English herbal, very extensively corrected and enlarged by Thomas Johnson from the original edition of 1597. John Gerard (1545-1612) was a barber-surgeon and horticulturist who based his work on Rembert Dodoens' earlier Stirpium Historiae Pemptades Sex and on his own extensive gardening experience. Thirty-six years later, when a new and more accurate edition was called for, Thomas Johnson, a well-known apothecary and botanist, was chosen for the task. Johnson wrote a lengthy new preface, "corrected many of Gerard's more gullible errors, and improved the accuracy of the illustrations by using Plantin's woodcuts." (Hunt) Johnson's improvements were so great that "Johnson's Gerard" quickly became the desired edition, and a second printing was done in 1636. Early English herbals have always been keenly sought by collectors, and they are normally found either imperfect or heavily repaired and sophisticated. The present copy is complete and with relatively minor restoration. Hunt 223; Henrey 155; Nissen 698; STC 11751.
COMPLETE POEMS OF GROTIUS
39. GROTIUS, HUGO. Poemata omnia. Editio quarta. Leyden: Apud Hieronymum de Vogel, 1645. 12mo. [16], 452, [12] pp. Engraved title. Contemporary vellum (spine a bit soiled with remnants of a paper label). Endpapers with a few minor tears. Internally clean with light age-toning just noticeable around the edges of pages. Small piece torn from the fore-edge of K1, just grazing two letters. $325.00
Hugo Grotius (1583-1645) was a superlative child prodigy, who composed fine Latin poetry at the age of nine, was ready for university at twelve, and at fifteen accompanied the special embassy of Justin, Count of Nassau, to France. Most successful as a lawyer, he retained love of letters in first place, as this volume of his poetry exemplifies. Included in this "very pretty edition" (Willems) of his complete poetical works are his famous lines at the siege of Ostend, and two tragedies, "The Suffering Christ," and the "Sophomphaneas" (which tells the biblical story of Joseph). This edition has a finely done engraved title-page, which lists the printer as "Hieronymus Vogel," a pseudonym, belonging to Joris Abrahamsz van der Marse according to Willems, though others speculate that it belongs to Philippe de Croy or Franciscus Hegerus. Willems 1636.
NICE QUAKER ASSOCIATION
40. HAYDOCK, ROGER. A Collection of the Christian Writings, Labours, Travels and Sufferings, of that Faithful and Approved Minister ... Roger Haydock.... London: By T. Sowle, 1700. [70], 223, [11] p. Contemporary calf, very worn, spine shabby. Part of front free endpaper torn away, light foxing and occasional browning. From the library of Sir John Rodes, with his signature on the title page. $300.00
First edition. A nice early Quaker association. Sir John Rodes (1670-1743) was a distinguished early Quaker and close friend of William Penn. Penn's 1693 letter to Rodes on the choice of a library is well known. Wing H1206.
FIRST EDITION IN ENGLISH
41. HENNEPIN, LOUIS. A New Discovery of a Vast Country in America, Extending above Four Thousand Miles, between New France and New Mexico.... London: For M. Bentley, J. Tonson [&c.], 1698. [22], 243, [33], 228 p. Engraved fore-title, 5 (of 6) folding plates. Lacking the two maps and one plate. Contemporary calf, early rebacking (hinges and corners worn). Text dampstained. Thus, $2200.00
First edition in English, the "Tonson" issue. An imperfect copy, lacking the two maps and one plate, of one of the classic accounts of American exploration. Howes H416; European Americana 698/100; Wing H1451.
HEYRICK'S POEMS: 1691
42. HEYRICK, THOMAS. Miscellany Poems. Cambridge: By John Hayes, for the author, 1691. 4to. [2], xxii, 112, [4], 67 p. Woodcut alma mater device on title. Late nineteenth-century half morocco (hinges lightly scuffed). Some foxing and light browning, chiefly on the first and last few pages and largely confined to the margins; small piece torn from upper corner of title page, short marginal tear on K1. Signature of Rd Habgood 1774 on title page. $3000.00
First edition of a very scarce book by a seventeenth-century poet-angler. One of the commendatory verses at the beginning of the work is addressed by Theophilus Judd of St. John's College "To my ingenious friend and brother angler," and one of the poems in the Miscellany is "A Pindarique Ode in Praise of Angling." The work ends with a long Pindaric poem, "The Submarine Voyage," with its own title page. In it, Heyrick "not only praises angling but abuses those who do not angle, in vehement fashion." Hayward 134; Westwood and Satchell p. 118; Wing H-1753.
DEVOUT DESIRES ILLUSTRATED
43. HUGO, HERMAN. Pia desideria.... Antwerp: Lucam de Potter, [1657]. 12mo. [12], 346 p. 45 (of 46) engraved plates. A slightly imperfect copy, having leaf G1 in early pen facsimile and lacking the plate facing that leaf. Old calf, worn at spine ends and corners, clasps lacking. Occasional minor spotting and chips, but a good tight copy. Bookplate of William S. Heckscher. $400.00
Herman Hugo (1588-1605) was a Jesuit, professor at Anvers and Brussels, and later chaplain to Ambrose Spinola, serving in the latter's campaigns where he ministered to the soldiery with notable bravery. This very popular work gives a series of meditations on the spiritual life The title page and emblems by Boetius à Bolswert are quite striking and depict various scenes with angels (and a few devils) including one of an angel hastening a boy away from a barrel-skirted and ruffed figure of Vanity. Landwehr, Emblem and Fable Books Printed in the Low Countries, 350; DeBacker-Sommervogel, vol. IV, col. 514.
44. [HUNT, THOMAS]. The Rights of the Bishops to Judge in Capital Cases in Parliament, Cleared. Being a Full Answer to Two Books lately Published .... London: Tho. Braddyl, for Robert Clavel, 1680. Fol. [4], 44 p. Later marbled wrappers. $150.00
Second edition with additions. Wing H3759, recording the first edition but not this later edition.
45. JAMES II. His Majesties Most Gracious Speech to both Houses of Parliament ... 22th of May, 1685. London: By the assigns of John Bill deceas'd: and by Henry Hills, and Thomas Newcomb, 1685. Fol. 7 p. Modern buckram. $300.00
Wing J225.
46. JOHNSON, SAMUEL. An Essay concerning Parliaments at a Certainty; or, The Kalends of May. London: For the author; to be sold by Richard Baldwin, 1694. 4to. 34, [1] p. Removed. $100.00
Second edition. Wing J827.
JUVENAL'S SATIRES: 1685
47. JUVENALIS, DECIUS JUNIUS. Satyrae. Ed. C. H. Henninius. Utrecht: Rudolphi a Zyll, 1685. 4to. [30], 980, [68] p. incl. added engraved title. Contemporary calf, blind central panel and corner ornaments, very skillfully rebacked retaining original spine, new period-style spine label. Some dampstaining at the beginning and end of the text, strip along the blank fore-edge of the engraved title neatly replaced, else very good. $425.00
Juvenal satires, edited by Henninius.
48. (LAW). Perkins, John. A Profitable Book of Mr. Iohn Perkins, Sometimes Fellow of the Inner Temple. Treating of the Laws of England .... London: For Matthew Walbanck, 1657. [30], 333 p. Early 19th century calf, neatly rebacked in period style. Heavily browned and a bit brittle, cropped with an occasional running head shaved. $300.00
One of several 17th century editions of this popular work written chiefly for law students. The book deals predominantly with real property law and conveyancing. Wing P1544; S&M I, p. 485.
EARLY WORK ON MUSIC THEORY: 1551
49. LEFÈVRE D'ETAPLES, JACQUES. Musica libris quatuor demonstrata. Paris: Guillaume Cavellat, 1551. 4to. 44 leaves. Cavellat's large woodcut printer's device on title. Text diagrams, tables, woodcut initials. Early 19th-century calf, gilt; neatly rebacked retaining original spine. Title very slightly soiled, faint marginal foxing. Modern book label. $4800.00
First separate edition, and first illustrated edition, of one of the earliest printed music theory books. Lefèvre (ca. 1460-1536; also known by his Latin name Faber Stapulensis) was one of the great French humanists. He developed a close working relationship with Henri Estienne and contributed, in one way or another, to a great many Estienne productions. Lefèvre's work on music theory first appeared as one part of a larger collected work printed in Paris in 1496. That edition is now essentially unobtainable, and a subsequent 1514 Estienne edition, Elementa musicalia, is very rare. Neither is illustrated. Lefèvre was a staunch defender of ancient music and played a key role in transmitting early Greek music theory to the sixteenth century. Adams F-27; BMC, French, p. 259; Renouard, Cavellat, 32.
50. A LETTER TO THE AUTHOR of the Vindication of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, Concerning the Legality of that Court. [Oxford, 1688]. 4to. 8 p. Caption title. Removed. $100.00
Wing L1727.
PRESENTATION COPY INSCRIBED BY LISTER
51. LISTER, MARTIN. Conchyliorum Bivalvium utriusque aquae exercitatio anatomica tertia. Huic accedit dissertatio medicinalis de calculo humano. London: Sumptibus authoris impressa, 1696. 4to. xliii, [1], 173 p; 51 p. 10 engraved plates (4 folding). Complete with the terminal blank Z4 in the first work. The Dissertatio has its own title page and pagination. Contemporary sprinkled calf, very skillfully rebacked in period style. Small early shelf mark in red ink on endpaper and on title, minor paper flaw in S2 just grazing catchword, very faint foxing in fore-edge. A very lovely copy, with the text and plates clean and fresh. Armorial bookplate of "A. Gifford D.D. of the Museum." $10,000.00
First edition. A presentation copy from Lister, inscribed on the front flyleaf "For Mr. Dalone by his most humble servant M Lister." Lister's beautifully illustrated privately printed treatise on bivalves, which is the third part of his Exercitatio Anatomica. Each part was issued as a separate imprint. Lister (1639?-1712) was an English physician who made important contributions to medicine as well as to natural history, and zoology in particular. He was also an antiquarian and an avid shell collector. Nissen 2526 (3 parts); Osler 3253; Wellcome III p. 529; Wing L-2516.
FIRST SCIENTIFIC ACCOUNT OF THE EAR
52. (MEDICINE). Du Verney, Joseph Guichard. Tractatus de organo auditus, continens structuram, usum et morbos omnium auris partium. Nuremberg: Johann Zieger, 1684. 4to. [12], 48 p. 16 engraved folding plates. Nineteenth century paper wrappers. Plate 16 neatly backed, title very lightly soiled, else a very good copy. Joseph Friedrich Blumenbach's copy, with his signature on the verso of the title page. In a fine morocco-backed clamshell box. $4800.00
First edition in Latin, following the original edition (in French) published the previous year in Paris. Garrison-Morton calls Du Verney's work the "first scientific account of the structure, function and diseases of the ear." Du Verney showed the true function of the Eustachian tube, and correctly explained the mechanism of bone conduction, giving an accurate account of the bony labyrinth. Joseph Friedrich Blumenbach (1752-1840) was an influential zoologist and anthropologist. Wellcome II p. 506; Krivatsy/NLM 3591.
THE SURGICAL SYDENHAM
53. (MEDICINE). Wiseman, Richard. Eight Chirurgical Treatises, on these following heads, viz. I. Of Tumours. II. Of Ulcers. III. Of Diseases of the Anus. IV. Of the King's Evil. V. Of Wounds. VI. Of Gun-Shot Wounds. VII. Of Fractures and Luxations. VIII. Of the Lues Venerea. London: For B. T. and L. M. and sold by W. Keblewhite, and J. Jones, 1697. Folio. [14], 563, [14] p., including the half title A1. Eighteenth-century paneled calf, very skillfully rebacked retaining original gilt spine, period-style label. Tiny (half-inch) repaired tear in lower margin of third leaf, else a remarkably fine, fresh copy. With the contemporary ownership signature of Stewart Sparkes on half title. $3200.00
Third edition of an important medical text first published in 1676. "Wiseman is our surgical Sydenham. He by his skill and personality helped to raise the whole status of surgery. He was the first of the great British surgeons." (Power, 198-201, quoted in ONDB) This is Wiseman's chief work, based on his experiences tending the Royalist armies. "For each topic Wiseman examines the anatomy, pathology, etiology, diagnosis, prognosis and management, adding selected case histories or observations from his vast experience. These personal observations, some brief and some in extensive detail, concern 660 individual patients, a weight of evidence which contrasts sharply with the absence or plagiarism of case histories in many contemporaneous publications. These case histories constitute a rich and unique historical record of surgical reality in seventeenth-century Britain...." (ONDB) NLM/Krivatsy 13087; Wing 3106A. See G-M 5573 and Norman 2253.
FIRST EDITION
54. MILTON, JOHN. Literae pseudo-senatus Anglicani, Cromwellii. [Brussels?:] Impressae anno 1676. 12mo. [4], 234 p. + final blanks K10-12. Woodcut of fruit on title. Modern full calf, very skillfully executed in period style, with original pastedowns retained. A fine, lovely copy. $900.00
First edition of Milton's Latin letters of state, distinguished by the woodcut of fruit on the title page. Wing M-2128; Coleridge 29; Kohler 508.
MILTON'S DEFENSE OF THE ENGLISH PEOPLE
55. MILTON, JOHN. . . . Pro populo Anglicano defensio, contra Claudii anonymi, alias Salmasii, Defensionem regiam. London [i.e., Gouda?]: Typis du Gardianis, 1652. 12mo. 192 p. Woodcut arms on title. Modern calf, antique. One-inch piece torn from title page margin, not affecting type, and neatly repaired, else a very good copy. Eric Quayle's copy, with his bookplate. $750.00
A false imprint, probably from Gouda. Milton's famous defense of the English from the attack of Salmasius. Wing M-2169; Madan 12; Coleridge 12.
LIVES OF THE SAINTS: 1493
56. NATALIBUS, PETRUS DE. Catalogus Sanctorum et Gestorum eorum ex Diversis Voluminibus Collectus. Vicenza: Henricus de Sancto Ursio, 12 Dec. 1493. Fol. 331 (of 332) leaves; lacks final blank. Roman type. Title in red and black. Woodcut initials throughout. Nineteenth century Italian vellum, gilt. Rather unattractive brown dampstaining confined largely to the gutters through most of the volume but occasionally extending as much as three inches into the top and bottom blank margins. Scattered early marginalia, occasionally cropped. $4500.00
First edition. A collection of brief lives of the saints, arranged according to the liturgical calendar. Goff N6; BMC VII 1047; HC 11676.
57. (POPISH PLOT). England. Parliament. A True Copy of the Journal-Book of the Last Parliament ... Wherein is Comprised a Fuller and Further Discovery of the Popish Plot....London: Printed in the year 1680. 8vo. [6], 104, 97-105, 108-203, "194," 177-316 p. Text complete despite erratic pagination, front and rear blanks wanting. Modern utilitarian cloth (covers warped). Text very browned and margins very brittle. Complete, but good at best. $90.00
The Popish Plot. Wing E2748.
RINGS
58. (RINGS). Kirchmann, Johann. De annulis liber singularis. Leiden: Apud Hackios, 1672. 12mo. [24], 249, [25], 140, [22], 22, 65, [3] p. Engraved fore-title. Illus. Early vellum (a trifle soiled). Light dampstain on the upper part of a number of pages. Very good. Bookplate of Thomas Stewart Traill, M.D. $400.00
Four works on rings brought together in one volume, together covering the history of rings, including such diverse kinds as signet rings, marriage rings, and key rings (i.e., rings that are also keys). Each work has its own sectional title-page and pagination, the volume begins with an engraved pictorial title-page, is printed in roman with quotes in italic and Greek, and includes a small engraving of a key ring on p. 55 of Longus's De anulis. This is a reprint of the 1657 edition.
59. [S., R.] A Letter to a Person of Quality, Occasion'd by the News of the Ensuing Parliament. [London, 1688?]. 4to. 8 p. Caption title. Removed. $90.00
Wing S133.
NEW ENGLAND GIVEN FAIR WARNING
60. SHEPARD, THOMAS. The Parable of the Ten Virgins Opened & Applied: Being the Substance of Divers Sermons on Matth. 25. 1,--13.... [London]: Re-printed, and carefully corrected in the year, 1695. Sm. fol. [8], 232, 190, [5] p. Modern full calf, very skillfully executed in period style. Title a bit soiled and with early stamp on verso, small burn hole in F3 costing a few letters, corner of K4 torn away affecting type rule, minor soiling and spotting, but a very good copy in a handsome period-style binding. $1000.00
Shepard (1605-1649) was an early New England Puritan and minister of a congregation at Cambridge, Massachusetts. His Parable of the Ten Virgins was prepared for the press by his son Thomas and fellow New England minister Jonathan Mitchell and was first published in 1660. The text contains a warning to New England: "I do fear there is at this day as deep mischief plotting against New-England as ever the sun saw." (pt. 1, p. 163) Jonathan Edwards made considerable use of the work in his Treatise Concerning Religious Affections (1746). European Americana 695/179; Wing S3115.
61. SIDNEY, ALGERNON. The Very Copy of a Paper Delivered to the Sheriffs, upon the Scaffold on Tower-Hill ... Decemb. 7. 1683. By Algernoon Sidney, Esq; before his Execution there. [London: For R. H. J. B. and J. R. and are to be sold by Walter Davis, 1683.] Fol. [3] p. Caption title. A fair copy only, cropped at the bottom with the loss of one or two lines of text on pp. 1-2; edges chipped and slightly brittle. $300.00
Sidney's well-known gallows statement, printed immediately after his execution. Wing S3766.
62. SOME PAPERS Given in by the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland, to the ... Parliament of England ... Concerning the Disposing of His Majesties Person. Edinburgh: By Evan Tyler, 1646. 4to. [2], 30 p. Modern cloth. Text a bit browned. $325.00
Wing S1344A.
FIRST EDITION, FIRST STATE, IN A LOVELY CONTEMPORARY BINDING
63. SUCKLING, SIR JOHN. Fragmenta Aurea. A Collection of all the Incomparable Peeces, Written by Sir John Suckling ... Printed by his owne Copies. London: For Humphrey Moseley, 1646. [6], 119, [7], 82, 64, [4], 52 p. Engraved port. by William Marshall. Contemporary calf, gilt fillet and cornerpieces, red morocco spine label. Portrait and first two leaves with two very tiny holes at the gutter, worm trail in lower margin of first three gatherings, else a very nice copy in a lovely contemporary binding. Bookplate of C. Pearl Chamberlain and book label of Abel Berland. Fine red morocco pull-off case. Accompanied by an A.L.S. of John Suckling (1569-1627), father of the poet, Goodfathers, 29 July 1625, to an unnamed recipient, seeking information on his election as a burgess in Yarmouth. $6000.00
First edition, first state of the title, with "FRAGMENTA AVREA" in upper case, a period after "Churchyard" in the imprint, and the rule under the date; A3v:16 reads "allowred." Second state of the frontispiece, re-incised with heavier lines around the leaves of the garland and the bulge in the left sleeve. According the Beaurline and Clayton, the plate was most certainly re-incised in the course of printing and is fairly evenly distributed with the various states of the title. Suckling is perhaps best remembered for the fine lyrics in his dramas, including the famous line "Why so pale and wan, fond lover?" (in Aglaura). D'Avenant called Suckling the greatest gallant and gamester of his day. He is also remembered as the inventor of the game of cribbage. L. A. Beaurline and T. Clayton, "Notes on Early Editions of Fragmenta Aurea," Studies in Bibliography 23 (1970), pp. 165-170; Greg III, 1130; Hayward 84; Pforzheimer 996; Wing S-6126.
64. TEMPLE, WILLIAM. Observations upon the United Provinces of the Netherlands. London: For Jacob Tonson, and Awnsham Churchil, 1693. [16], 279 p. Contemporary black morocco, covers gilt in a panel design, spine gilt in compartments, edges gilt, marbled endpapers. Extremities rubbed, but a nice tight copy. $300.00
Sixth edition of Temple's popular account of the rise and fall of the Dutch empire, in a handsome period morocco binding. Wing T662.
VIRGIL ENGLISHED, 1562
65. VIRGIL. The Nyne fyrst bookes of the Eneidos of Virgil converted into Englishe vearse by Thomas Phaer. London: By Rouland Hall, for Nicholas Englande, 1562. 4to. [220] p. Woodcut on title. Text in black letter. Nineteenth-century morocco, ruled in gilt, edges gilt. Extremities lightly worn, minor scuffing. First quire washed and neatly extended at top edge, possibly supplied from another copy. A few internal repairs, else a very good copy with excellent full margins. Rubislaw House bookplate of John Morgan. $11,000.00
A rare early edition in English verse of Virgil's Aeneid, translated by Thomas Phayer (1510?-1560). Edited by William Wightman. STC 24800.
VOSSIUS ON IDOLS AND IMAGES OF WORSHIP
66. VOSSIUS, GERARDUS JOANNES. ... De theologia gentili, et physiologia Christiana; sive de origine ac progressu idololatriae.... Amsterdam: Joannes Blaeu, 1668. Folio. 2 vols. in 1. Possibly lacking port. Cont. vellum. Old seminary label on pastedown, else a very good copy--clean and tight. $900.00
Vossius' study of the origins and development of idols and idolatry, first published in 1641. Chapter 8 of the first book contains a description of Brazilian customs, especially the behavior of the Tapuya Indians, who are identified as cannibals. Also noted are the services to the Dutch in Brazil of Krzysztof Arciszewski. The work is bound with, as issued, Moses ben Maimon's De idololatria liber (Amsterdam, 1668), edited and translated into Latin by Dionysius Vossius. European Americana 668/176; Yarmolinsky, Polish Americana, p. 60.
HISTORY OF CAMBRIA, OR WALES
67. (WALES). Caradoc, of Llancarvan. The History of Wales. Comprehending the Lives and Succession of the Princes of Wales, from Cadwalader the Last King, to Lhewelyn the Last Prince, of British Blood.... London: By M. Clark, for the author, and R. Clavell, 1697. [40], xxiii, [1], 398, [18] p. Contemporary calf, rebacked in period style, later endpapers. A very nice copy. $450.00
A classic history of Cambria, or Wales. The original work by Caradoc of Llancarvan is not known, but a version on which this edition is loosely based was published in 1584 as The Historie of Cambria. That work was in fact assembled and translated by Humphrey Llwyd from various Welch sources and expanded by David Powell. This 1697 edition has been extensively rewritten and augmented by William Wynne. Wing C488.
68. WERDENHAGEN, JOHANNES A.v. Introductio Vniversalis in Omnes Respublicas, sive Politica Generalis. Amsterdam: Apud Guilielum Blaeu, 1632. 16mo. [34], 376, [16] p. Contemporary vellum. Remains of old typewritten label on spine. $125.00
Later edition of Werdenhagen's political study of the state.
69. WILLIAM III. The Prince of Orange his Declaration: Shewing the Reasons why he Invades England. With a Short Preface.... London: By Randal Taylor, 1688. 4to. 32 p. Modern calf-backed marbled boards. $325.00
Wing W2331.
SIR HENRY WOTTON'S WORKS
70. WOTTON, SIR HENRY. Reliquiae Wottonianae: or, A Collection of Lives, Letters, Poems.... London: By T. Roycroft, for R. Marriott [et al], 1672. 8vo. [86], 582, [2] p. (erratically paginated, as published). Ports. Nineteenth-century red morocco. Early signatures of [J. Grien?], 1725, Thomas Price, and John Francis Cole, 1828; bookplates of J. J. Chapman and Molly Flagg Gibb. A very good copy. $900.00
Third edition, enlarged. The first 71 pages contain Wotton's The Elements of Architecture, the first work on architecture published in English (1624). Wing W-3650.
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