- 293
Donne, John
Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- Donne, John
- Essayes in Divinity … Being Several Disquisitions, Interwoven with Meditations and Prayers: Before he Entred into Holy Orders. Now Made Publick by his Son J.D. London: Printed by T. M. for Richard Marriot, and are to be sold at his shop in St Dunstans Church-yard Fleet-street, 1651
- printed book
12mo (5 3/4 x 3 1/4 in.; 145 x 85 mm). With the usually cancelled dedication (A3–7), title within type-ornament border, type-ornament initial-frames and head- and tailpieces, with initial blank; edges of title-page browned from turn-ins, lacking initial blank and free endpaper, first six leaves with small hole at fore-edge, occasional early marginalia (see below). Contemporary calf, covers ruled in blind, spine gilt; quite worn with loss of spine.
Provenance
F. L. Vane (signature on title-page verso) — St.Bartholomew's Vicarage, Dublin (ink stamp on inside front cover). acquisition: F. Hammond, 1966
Literature
Wing D1861; ESTC R1266; Grolier/Donne 23; Grolier/Wither to Prior 295, Keynes, Donne 50; Thomason Tracts; 179:E.1362[1]
Condition
12mo (5 3/4 x 3 1/4 in.; 145 x 85 mm). With the usually cancelled dedication (A37), title within type-ornament border, type-ornament initial-frames and head- and tailpieces, with initial blank; edges of title-page browned from turn-ins, lacking initial blank and free endpaper, first six leaves with small hole at fore-edge, occasional early marginalia (see below). Contemporary calf, covers ruled in blind, spine gilt; quite worn with loss to spine.
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.
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, first issue. One of five recorded copies retaining the original dedication to Sir Henry Vane the Younger. The dedication was cancelled by Donne's son when he decided to reissue the Essayes in 1652 with the Juvenilia and rededicate the whole work to Lord Newport. The last copy to appear at auction with the uncancelled dedication was in the Bradley Martin sale, 1990.
This copy was read closely and features exuberantly derisive marginalia on several pages, including "you are a notorious Liar" (A6v) and "this Donne or Dunne was an apostate and a Rotten Branch that fell from the trunk" (E4v).