Digges, Leonard [and Thomas Digges]

Estimate

4,000 - 6,000 USD

bidding is closed

Description

An Arithmeticall Militare Tratise, Named Stratioticos: Compendiously Teaching the Science of Nu[m]bers, as well in Fractions as Integers, and so much of the Rules and Æquations Algebraicall and Arte of Numbers Cosicall, as are Requisite for the Profession of a Soldiour. Together with the Modern Militare Discipline, Offices, Lawes and Dueties in Every well Governed Campe and Armie to be Observed: Long Since Atte[m]ped by Leonard Digges Gentleman, Augmented, Digested, and Lately Finished, by Thomas Digges, his Sonne. Whereto He Hath also Addioyned Certaine Questions of Great Ordinaunce, Resolved in his other Treatize of Pyrotechny and Great Artillerie, Hereafter to bee Published. London: Printed by Henry Bynneman, [Colophon: Dewelling in Thames Street, neere unto Baynardes Castle], 1579
paper and ink

4to (7 1/2 x 5 in.; 191 x 127 mm). Woodcut vignette of an army encampment on title-page (repeated on P4v), woodcut arms of Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, on verso and arms of Leonard Digges on K4v, historiated and foliated woodcut initials, 3 woodcut tailpieces (of which McKerrow 99b on K4r and McKerrow 203 on §4r), two woodcut text illustrations, numerous mathematical tables in text, printer's ornaments used as tailpieces, printer's woodcut device (McKerrow 149) within border of printer's ornaments above colophon on §4v; light browning, dampstaining along bottom margin, more pronounced in last few quires. Contemporary calf paneled in blind, gilt supralibros of the Earl of Leicester on covers (a muzzled bear, chained to a ragged staff within a girdle with the motto "Honi soit qui mal y pense" surmounted by a crown); textural flaking to both covers, with some of the gilt lost on both crests, endpapers lightly browned and soiled.

Provenance

Thomas Digges (inscription on rear pastedown: "Ex dono Thomae Digges") — Honeyman Collection (sale, Sotheby's London, Part II, 1 May 1979, lot 882). acquisition: Bernard Quaritch, 1993

Literature

STC 6848; ESTC S109689; Cockle 25

Condition

4to (7 1/2 x 5 in.; 191 x 127 mm). Woodcut vignette of an army encampment on title-page (repeated on P4v), woodcut arms of Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester on verso and arms of Leonard Digges on K4v, historiated and foliated woodcut initials, 3 woodcut tailpieces (of which McKerrow 99b on K4r and McKerrow 203 on §4r), two woodcut text illustrations, numerous mathematical tables in text, printer's ornaments used as tailpieces, printer's woodcut device (McKerrow 149) within border of printer's ornaments above colophon on §4v; light browning, dampstaining along bottom margin, more pronounced in last few quires. Contemporary calf paneled in blind, gilt supralibros of the Earl of Leicester on covers (a muzzled bear, chained to a tree stump within a girdle with the motto "Honi soit qui mal y pense" surmounted by a crown); textural flaking to both covers, with some of the gilt lost on both crests, endpapers lightly browned and soiled.
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.

Catalogue Note

First edition. One of the most influential English military treatises of the period, bearing the arms on the binding of the dedicatee, Robert Dudley, First Earl of Leicester. The rear pastedown is inscribed "Ex dono Thomae Digges" suggesting that this was the dedication copy. From the Honeyman Collection.