Mill, Humphrey

Estimate

2,500 - 3,500 USD

bidding is closed

Description

A Nights Search. Discovering the Nature and Condition of All Sorts of Night-Walkers; with Their Associates. As Also, the Life and Death of Many of Them. Together with Divers Fearfull and Strange Accidents, Occasioned by Such Ill Livers. Digested into a Poeme by Humphry Mill. London: Printed by Richard Bishop for Laurence Blaicklock at the Sugar-Loafe next Temple-Barre, 1640 — The Second Part of The Nights Search: Discovering the Condition of the Various Fowles of Night. Or, the Second Great Mystery of Iniquity Exactly Revealed: with the Projects of These Times. In a Poem. London: Printed for Henry Shepheard, and William Ley, and Are to Be Sold at the Bible in Tower-Street, and at Pauls Chaine neer Doctors Commons, 1646
paper and ink

Two parts in two volumes, 8vo (Part I: 5 1/2 x 3 1/2 in.; 140 x 85 mm; Part II: 5 3/4 x 3 5/8 in.; 144 x 98 mm). Part I: Engraved title-page surmounted by a night watchman, center panel flanked by a cavalier and a ragged beggar, four vignettes in roundels in each corner, letterpress title, imprimatur on ):(8v; small hole on B7 touching one word and on lower corner of V8, V8v browned and soiled. Part II: Engraved title-page, center panel flanked by the devil holding a severed head and leg and by a gentleman holding a coin purse, with five other vignettes and a portrait, letterpress title; engraved title and its explanation inlaid, repairs along gutter of A4, a few running heads shaved. Uniformly bound in nineteenth-century polished calf, paneled in blind, brown endpapers, edges stained red.

Provenance

John Henton (faded, contemporary inscription on recto of the explanation in Part I) — George Shipton (contemporary signature on V8v in Part I) — Sir Thomas Phillipps (sale, Sotheby's, 24–25 June 1974, Part II, lot 2734). acquisition: Purchased at foregoing sale through Bernard Quaritch

Literature

Part I: Wing M2058; ESTC S112683, Grolier/Wither to Prior 552. Part II: Wing M2058; ESTC R20278; Grolier/Wither to Prior 553.

Condition

Two parts in two volumes, 8vo (Part I: 5 1/2 x 3 1/2 in.; 140 x 85 mm; Part II: 5 3/4 x 3 5/8 in.; 144 x 98 mm). Part I: Engraved title-page surmounted by a night watchman, center panel flanked by a cavalierand a ragged beggar, four vignettes in roundels in each corner, letterpress title, imprimatur on ):(8v; small hole on B7 touching one word and on lower corner of V8, V8v browned and soiled. Part II: Engraved title-page, center panel flanked by the devil holding a severed head and leg and by a gentleman holding a coin purse, with five other vignettes and a portrait, letterpress title; engraved title and its explanation inlaid, repairs along gutter of A4, a few running heads shaved. Uniformly bound in nineteenth-century polished calf, paneled in blind, brown endpapers, edges stained red.
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 editions, scarce. Of the first part, ESTC records ten copies in American and British libraries; of the second part, ESTC locates a dozen copies in institutions. The last set to have sold at auction is this, the Phillipps copy, in 1974. The stories, in verse, are all drawn from the brothel, and depict the adventures of prostitutes, panderers, and their supporters.