Donne, LXXX Sermons, London, 1640, contemporary calf

Donne, John

LXXX sermons preached by that learned and reverend divine, John Donne. London: [Miles Flesher] for Richard Royston and Richard Marriot, 1640

folio (320 x 218mm.), additional engraved title-page by Merian, woodcut device on title-page, woodcut initials and headpieces, with initial blank leaf, without final blank, contemporary mottled calf, spine gilt in compartments, red speckled edges, front flyleaf and initial blank detached, occasional light staining, binding worn

Some of Donne's more significant sermons were printed at the time of delivery, but this is the first collected edition, issued by Donne's son John; further volumes were published in 1649 and 1661. "One hundred and sixty of Donne's sermons survive, and they demand reading and study not just as the major productions of his maturity but also as intricate and beautiful pieces of prose" (ODNB).

LITERATURE:

Keynes, Donne 29; STC 7038

PROVENANCE:

Jacob Clements (canon of Lincoln Cathedral, 1820-1898), armorial bookplate with the manuscript date 3 February 1848; JJ, stamped monogram on verso of engraved title