Evelyn, John

Estimate

3,000 - 5,000 USD

bidding is closed

Description

Evelyn, John
Navigation and Commerce, their origin and progress. Containing a succinct account of traffick in general ... of discoveries, wars and conflicts at sea ... with special regard to the English nation. London: T[homas]. R[oycroft]. for Benj. Tooke, 1674
ink, paper, leather

8vo (6 3/4 x 4 1/4 in.; 170 x 110 mm). With errata leaf and two-page publisher's catalog at rear; few quires with worming to inner or lower margin not affecting text; Contemporary blind-ruled calf, lightly stained, wear at corners, edges and spine head, a few very skillful repairs to spine.

Provenance

George Spheris (1684 ownership inscriptions). acquisition: Ximines, 1992

Literature

Wing E3504; ESTC R8611; Keynes 92; Sabin 2328

Catalogue Note

First edition. Written as the introduction to Evelyn's history of the battle for sovereignty over the seas between England and Holland and commissioned by Charles II. By the time it was published, peace had been negotiated with Holland, and the work gave such offence to the Dutch that the ambassador demanded its suppression. The rest of his work, given to Samuel Pepys in 1681 for his proposed history of the Navy, is lost. One of the few copies in the original, uncancelled state.