Property From The Collection of Robert S Pirie Volumes I & II: Books and Manuscripts

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Lot 596
  • 596

Montaigne, Michel Eyquem de [John Florio, trans.]

Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 USD
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Description

  • The Essayes or, Morall, Politike, and Militarie Discouses of Lord Michael De Montaigne, Knight of the Noble Order of Saint Michael, and One of the Gentlemen in Ordinary of the French Kings Chamber. The Third Edition. Whereunto is Now Newly Added Ad [sic] Index of the Principall Matters and Personages Mentioned in this Booke. London: Printed by M[iles] Flesher for Rich: Royston in the Ivie-Lane next Exchequer Office, 1632
  • ink, paper, leather
Three parts in one volume, folio (10 5/8 x 7 in.; 269 x 178 mm). Engraved title-page by Martin Droeshout, woodcut initials and headpieces, separate title-pages for the second (R1r) and third (2P5r) books; light text browning throughout, lower inner corner of I6 dampstained, large stains on T2,4 and quires V, 2E–2F, small hole in l. 5 of 2I1r costing three letters, upper rule of some running heads trimmed. Contemporary black morocco, sides with double compartments lavishly tooled with stars, flower heads, the inner and outer borders tooled with foliated demi-lunes, triangules, and shaped cornices, forming undulating gilt and solid ribbons, the spine in six compartments richly gilt (one reserved for lettering), board edges roll-tooled in gilt, marbled endpapers, flyleaves watermarked Crown and Posthorn and M, edges gilt; extremities rubbed.

Provenance

H. Bernet (signature on bottom margin of engraved title) — Josiah Berner (inscription on flyleaf "Josiae Berners in vico vocato Fleetstreet ...") — P.H. Fisher (inscribed "Atty Strand 1804") — Major C. H. Fisher (inscribed "Strand 1897') — Bloomsbury, 11 December 2008, lot 176. acquisition: Purchased at foregoing sale through Bernard Quaritch

Literature

STC 18043; ESTC S114977

Condition

3 parts in one volume, folio (10 5/8 x 7 in.; 269 x 178 mm). Engraved title-page by Martin Droeshout; woodcut initials and headpieces, separate title-pages for the second (R1r) and third (2P5r) books; light text browning throughout, lower inner corner of I6 dampstained, large stains on T2,4 and quires V, 2E–2F, small hole in l. 5 of 2I1r costing 3 letters, upper rule of some running heads trimmed. Contemporary black morocco, sides with double compartments lavishly tooled with stars, flower heads, the inner and outer borders tooled with foliated demi-lunes, triangules, and shaped cornices, forming undulating gilt and solid ribbons, the spine in six compartments richly gilt (one reserved for lettering), board edges roll-tooled in gilt, marbled endpapers, flyleaves watermarked Crown and Posthorn and M, edges gilt; extremities rubbed.
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

The third edition of Florio's translation, in a sumptuous, well-preserved Restoration binding.