Hurtado de Mendoza, Antonio

4to (7 3/4 x 5 7/8 in.; 198 x 150 mm). Woodcut initials, type-ornament headpieces, separate title-page for Fiestas de Aranjuez: Festivals represented at Aranwhez ([-]1; likely Dd4 from final quire) with separate pagination but continuous signatures; some scattered minor foxing. Fine contemporary English black morocco bound for the widow of the translator, Sir Richard Fanshawe, the covers with double gilt-fillet border with fleuron cornerpieces and large central Fanshawe arms, spine gilt in six compartments, the second with red morocco label, marbled endpapers, gilt edges; extremities a trifle rubbed. Green cloth folding-case.

Richard Heber (Evans; 8 December 1834, lot 1431) — S. R. Christie-Miller (Britwell Court press-mark 33.E.20; Sotheby's London, 17 March 1926, lot 384) —  Sotheby's London, 10 June 1941, lot 427 (undesignated consignor) — Major J. R. Abbey (bookplate; Sotheby's London, 22 June 1965, lot 400) — H. Bradley Martin (Sotheby's New York, 14 June 1990, lot 3399). acquisition: Purchased at the foregoing sale through Bernard Quaritch

Wing H3798; ESTC R17506; Pforzheimer 362A

4to (7 3/4 x 5 7/8 in.; 198 x 150 mm). Woodcut initials, type-ornament headpieces, separate title-page for Fiestas de Aranjuez: Festivals represented at Aranwhez (likely Dd4 from final quire) with separate pagination but continuous signatures; some scattered minor foxing. Fine contemporary English black morocco bound for the widow of the translator, Sir Richard Fanshawe, the covers with double gilt-fillet border with fleuron cornerpieces and large central Fanshawe arms, spine gilt in six compartments, the second with red morocco label, marbled endpapers, gilt edges; extremities a trifle rubbed. Green cloth folding-case.
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; a fine large- and thick-paper copy, with distinguished provenance. Sir Richard Fanshawe served successively as ambassador to Portugal and Spain until just before his death in 1666. This posthumous publication of his translation of Hurtado de Mendoza's play in verse celebrating the birthday of Philip IV was supervised by his widow, Anne, Lady Fanshawe. Many copies with the first, uncancelled title-page were given as gifts by Lady Fanshawe, and the verso of the title-page of the present copy bears an inked-through presentation inscription dated "No: the 18 1670." Scarce: no copy of either issue has been sold at auction since Mr. Pirie purchased the present at the Bradley Martin sale in 1990.