[Bagshaw, Christopher]

4to (174 x 130mm.), preface signed "W.W." (William Watson), first and final leaves blank, notes by Mendham about Watson in pencil on verso of A1, later half calf, minor browning, upper hinge slightly cracked, wear to edges of binding

STC 25126; Mendham B6; Allison and Rogers 64

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when appropriate.
"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."

A stridently anti-Jesuit tract by the Catholic priest Christopher Bagshaw (1552-1625?), whose writings were characterised by extreme hatred of the Society, especially of  the leading English member and his former colleague at Oxford and Rome, Robert Persons. The preface is by the Catholic priest William Watson, who shared Bagshaw's views, and who was executed for treason in 1603 for his part in the Bye plot, in which the conspirators hoped to recruit a band of Catholic gentlemen who would surprise the court at Greenwich on midsummer's night, kidnap the king, seize the Tower of London, and hold James there as a hostage for toleration of Catholic religion (see Oxford DNB).