Becon, Thomas

folio (273 x 188mm.), first edition, leaves 4H2 --5X2 only ("The Monstruous Marchandise of the Romish Bishops" and "The Reliques of Rome"), these two works with divisional titles within woodcut borders (McKerrow and Ferguson 76; McKerrow 116), woodcut initials and tail-pieces, Mendham's manuscript list of Contents of the third volume on verso of front endpaper, additional note by him in pencil on recto referring to manuscript note above ("Herbert's Autograph"),  few pencil underlining to latter portion of text, later calf lettered in gilt on the spine, a few marginal tears (repaired), some slight staining, a few paper flaws, slight tear with loss to lower outer corner of 5M5 (not affecting text)

STC 1710; Mendham B93

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."

Two works or tracts by Becon from the three-volume work published in 1564. McKerrow and Ferguson note that "the first part was doubtless printed in 1560, and the preliminary leaves of the book...and Brecon's preface...added later, after the remainder [which would include the portion here] was printed off". The motto which appears on the divisional titles ('ARISE, FOR IT IS DAY') is of course a pun alluding to the printer John Day who owned the compartment, and for whom it was presumably cut. The Relikes of Rome was printed separately in c.1560 and 1563 (STC 1754, 1755).

The radical theologian Thomas Becon (1512/13--1567), who was initially highly influenced by Luther, and whose influence can be keenly felt on the Book of Common Prayer of 1549 (when he was one of six preachers at Canterbury appointed by Cranmer), was a highly popular preacher and prolific writer during his lifetime. In his earlier years he was forced into recantations and then latterly exiled in Strasbourg during Mary's reign, before returning to a series of clerical preferments as one of England's leading protestant writers and reformers. A writer with a homely and colloquial style Becon became more anti-Catholic as time progressed, sharpening "my pen...against antichrist and his Babylonical brood" (quoted by Oxford DNB). He recollected and revised his works in preparation for the massive three-volume Worckes. After his death on 30 June 1567 he was buried in Canterbury, perhaps in the Cathedral itself.

"Let others entreat of high mysteries, and climb up to the highest heavens: I shall be content to write of things according to my knowledge ... and to creep upon the ground"