Cowley, Abraham

8vo (5 3/4 x 3 /12 in.; 146 x 89 mm). Title-page with woodcut ornament within double-ruled border, errata on A8v. Contemporary mottled calf, paneled gilt, gilt fleuron cornerpieces, smooth spine ruled gilt, plain endpapers, marbled edges; corners bumped, minor losses to spine ends, hinges cracked but intact, half of lower free endpaper torn away.

Sir Alexander Fraser (presentation inscription, with eight-line poem in Latin on front free endpaper) — John Sparrow (label on front pastedown)

Wing C6678; ESTC R033828; Pforzheimer 230 (identifying three presentation copies, including this one)

8vo (5 3/4 x 3 /12 in.; 146 x 89 mm). Title-page with woodcut ornament within double-ruled border, errata on A8v. Contemporary mottled calf, paneled gilt, gilt fleuron cornerpieces, smooth spine ruled gilt, plain endpapers, marbled edges; corners bumped, minor losses to spine ends, hinges cracked but intact, half of lower free endpaper torn away.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

First edition, presentation copy, one of four known poetical manuscripts by Cowley. The author has inscribed the work to Sir Alexander Fraser, personal physician to Charles II, and accompanied the inscription with an eight-line poem, "Helleborum," in Latin.

In his preface to the first two books of the Plantarum, Cowley apologizes for the inclusion of pagan myth in a purportedly scientific work, claiming he could not address the histories of plants without alluding to their treatment in classical mythology.