- 62
Walton, Izaak
Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Walton, Izaak
- The Compleat Angler or the Contemplative Man's Recreation. Being a Discourse of Fish and Fishing. Not unworthy the perusal of most Anglers. T. Maxey for Richard Marriot, 1653
- paper
8vo (142 x 86mm.), FIRST EDITION, engraved title within piscatorial cartouche, six engraved vignettes of fish (trout, pike, carp, tench, perch, and barbell), two pages of printed music by Henry Lawes (P4 verso and P5 recto, the latter printed upside down as usual), with R3r in first state (with the misreading "contention" for "contentment"), final blank leaf, later straight-grained green morocco, covers with fillets and decorated borders in blind, turn-ins, brown endpapers, a few headlines or signatures or catchwords very slightly shaved, tiny tear to lower outer corner of Q1 (not affecting any text), neat repair to small tears on R1 and final text leaf R4, minor browning, very slight wear to binding
Provenance
The prime minister and bibliophile Archibald Philip Primrose, fifth Earl of Rosebery and first Earl of Midlothian (1847–1929), with his bookplate; left to his son-in-law the politician Robert Offley Ashburton Crewe-Milnes, Marquess of Crewe (1858–1945), with autograph note on front endpaper by Lord Crewe ("Left to me by Lord Rosebery. | Crewe. 21 May 1929"); thence by descent
Literature
Pforzheimer 1048; Grolier Wither to Prior III, 193; Westwood and Satchell 217; Wing W661; Oliver 1
Condition
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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
A FINE COPY OF THIS MUCH-LOVED CORNERSTONE OF ENGLISH LITERATURE, written by Walton as a dialogue between angler and traveller. The Compleat Angler is a fishing manual, literary classic, and a celebration of contemplation and the traditional natural order first written in quiet opposition to Cromwell's regime. Since many copies were used as a manual few survive in good condition, and this example is exceptionally fine, with a distinguished provenance.