Bacon, Sir Francis

2 works bound in one volume, folio (13 x 8 1/4 in.; 330 x 210 mm). Two initial blanks, title within double-ruled border with printer's woodcut device, additional engraved title dated 1627, engraved portrait of Bacon, woodcut initials and headpieces (some with printer's ornaments), text within rules with printed notes and manuscript annotations, leaves L4, 2A1, 2D1, and 2M4 blank; occasional dampstaining, tear along bottom margin of 2D1. Bound with: New Atlantis. A Worke Vnfinished. N.P., n.p., n.d. Title within double-ruled border, woodcut device depicting the Grim Reaper as Chronos or Pan, drawing forth Truth in the form of a naked woman from a cave with the motto "Tempore patet occulta veritas" ("Time brings forth hidden truth"), woodcut headpieces and initials, final leaf blank. Contemporary calf paneled gilt, covers with multiple blind and gilt fillets, central lozenge-shaped arabesque flanked by the initials "H.G.", fan-shaped cornerpieces within the panel and fleurons on the outside corners, the spine in seven compartments gilt, edges and endpapers plain; skillfully rebacked with original spine laid down, lacks pastedowns, marginal fraying and browning to front free endpaper, remnants of green silk ties.

H.G. (supralibros) — Henry Feilde (oblong slip boldly lettered in red, numbered 76 and dated 1642 pasted to the verso of the front free endpaper) — Viscount Mersey, Bignor Park (label affixed to front pastedown) — Christies London, 6 December 1991, lot 181. acquisition: Purchased at the foregoing sale through Bernard Quaritch

STC 1168; ESTC S106909; Gibson 170. For the binding:  Foot, The Henry Davis Gift, Vol. II, No.  67

2 works bound in one volume, folio (13 x 8 1/4 in.; 330 x 210 mm). Two initial blanks, title within double-ruled border with printer's woodcut device, additional engraved title dated 1627, engraved portrait of Bacon, woodcut initials and headpieces (some with printer's ornaments), text within rules with printed sides and manuscript annotations, leaves L4, 2A1, 2D1, and 2M4 blank; occasional dampstaining, tear along bottom margin of 2D1. Bound with: New Atlantis. A Worke Vnfinished. N.P., n.p., n.d. Title within double-ruled border, woodcut device depicting the Grim Reaper as Cronos or Pan, drawing forth Truth in the form of a naked woman from a cave with the motto "Tempore patet occulta veritas" ("Time brings forth hidden truth"), woodcut headpieces and initials, final leaf blank. Contemporary calf paneled gilt, covers with multiple blind and gilt fillets, central lozenge-shaped arabesque flanked by the initials "H.G.", fan-shaped cornerpieces within the panel and fleurons on the outside corners, the spine in seven compartments gilt, edges and endpapers plain; skillfully rebacked with original spine laid down, lacks pastedowns, remnants of green silk ties.
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.

First edition, first issue, with wide generous margins. According to STC, the printer Mathewes was responsible for quires A–B of Sylva and New Atlantis. The fan-shaped cornerpieces are identical to those illustrated by Mirjam Foot in The Henry Davis Gift wherein she lists six other examples with the same tool, varying in date from 1575 to 1616.