Hobbes, Thomas.

folio, first edition, first issue with 'head' ornament on title-page, additional engraved title-page, folding letterpress table, woodcut headpiece and initials, near-contemporary blind-panelled calf, spine gilt in compartments, red morocco lettering-piece, later engraved portrait of Hobbes laid down on front free endpaper, dampstaining to top edges (heavier in last few gatherings but with no loss), upper joint splitting, slight wear to spine and loss to label

Wing H2246; Macdonald & Hargreaves 42; PMM 138

The upper cover is nearly detached. The damp staining affects the top 2-3 cm. of all leaves, although it is more serious towards the end; as a result the top edges of these final leaves are delicate and there has been some paper loss to the top corner of a small number of leaves. There are a few small worm-holes, tiny (c.2mm) burn-holes to N2, and a small internal tear at 2Q1 with the loss of about 2 letters. In addition to the slight wear at spine and loss to lettering piece, there is some wear and tear to the boards.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Hobbes's treatise was an attempt to reconcile his earlier royalist stance with the prevailing political situation in England during the Commonwealth. "It summarized Hobbes's general argument about the rational basis of political authority, pointing out that there was a reciprocal relationship between protection and obedience: Hobbes's point was that since the king (now Charles II) could not protect people in England, they were impelled by the dictates of self-preservation to transfer their obedience to the power that now ruled there" (Oxford DNB).