Davenant, Sir William

Together, four works bound in one volume, 4to (7 x 5 in.; 178 x 127 mm); some pages trimmed close, touching or cropping headings, catchwords, and signature marks. Bound for the Prince of Wales, later Charles II of England in full red morocco paneled gilt, the cornerpieces composed of the Prince of Wales's feathers clasping two intertwined "C's" and surmounted by a princely crown, the spine in six compartments, repeating the motif in five (one compartment reserved for lettering), plain endpapers, edges gilt; upper board slightly scuffed at center of panel, head of spine and joints neatly mended.  

The Witts. A Comedie. Presented at the Private House in Blacke Fryers, by his Majesties Servants. London: Printed for Richard Meighen, next to the Middle Temple in Fleetstreet, 1636. Imprimatur leaf, woodcut ornament on title-page, woodcut initial, printers ornaments; imprimatur leaf (A1v) soiled on blank recto and strengthened along inside margin, six signature marks, two catchwords, and one heading shaved. First edition. (STC 6309; ESTC S109311; Greg 501a) — The Platonick Lovers. A Tragaecomedy. Presented at the Private House in the Black-Fryers By his Majesties Servants. London: Printed for Richard Meighen, next to the Middle Temple in Fleetstreet, 1636. Woodcut ornament of a thistle on title-page, woodcut initials, headpieces and borders of printer's ornaments, imprimatur on A2v; approximately five signature marks and two catchwords cropped and four signature marks and six catchwords shaved. First edition.  (STC 6305; ESTC S105196; Greg 506a) — The Cruell Brother. A Tragedy. As It Was Presented, at the Private House, in the Blacke-Fryers: By His Majesties Seruants. London: Imprinted by A[ugustine] M[atthewes] for Iohn Waterson, and are to bee sold at the signe of the Crowne in Pauls Church-yard, 1630. Woodcut ornament on title-page, woodcut headpieces and initials, one headpiece composed of printer's ornaments; lacking blank A1, sheet creased and so printed, displacing last line of type on B1r, approximately a half-dozen running heads shaved. First edition (STC 6302; ESTC S109305; Greg 427a.) — The Tragedy of Albovine, King of the Lombards. London: Printed [by Felix Kingston] for R[ichard]. M[oore]., 1529. Arabesque of printer's ornaments on title-page, woodcut headpieces and initials, headpieces composed of printer's ornaments; title-page stained, inside margins of quires L–M dampstained. First edition (STC 6307; Greg 422a).

Henry Huth (red morocco label; sale, Sotheby's, 20 November 1911, lot 2009). acquisition: Bernard Quaritch, 1982

4 works bound in one volume, 4to (7 x 5 in.; 178 x 127 mm); some pages trimmed close, touching or cropping headings, catchwords, and signature marks. bound for the Prince of Wales, later Charles II of England in full red morocco paneled gilt, the cornerpieces composed of the Prince of Wales's feathers clasping two intertwined "C's" and surmounted by a princely crown, the spine in six compartments, repeating the motif in five (one compartment reserved for lettering), plain endpapers, edges gilt; upper board slightly scuffed at center of panel, head of spine and joints neatly mended.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

From the library of King Charles II, bound for him when he was Prince of Wales. Born in 1630, Charles II ascended the throne in 1660.