Selden, John

4to (7 1/8 x 5 1/2 in.; 182 x 140 mm). Title-page in red and black, a2r, lines 3–4 reading "of Connington | Kight [sic] and Baronet," and line 3 from bottom reads: "be," ²a2r, line 2 begins "in Works" and line 5 with "of a first borne," page 249 misnumbered "149" with a reading in line 1 of "little," neat contemporary commentary on the author and book on the first 3 leaves; minor worming at lower inner margin not affecting text, occasional soiling. Fine contemporary English black morocco, the covers paneled with gilt rules and serrated rolls with fleuron cornerpieces, central gilt arms of James I, the smooth spine gilt with horizontal rules and serrated rolls, edges gilt; spine faded with a single wormhole, extremities rubbed.  

Frank Brewer Bemis (engraved bookplate by Sidney Lawton Smith dated 1925; collection sold 1935 to) — Harold Greenhill, 1893–1968 (bookplate dated 1941) — H. Bradley-Martin (bookplate; Sotheby's New York, 14 June 1990, lot 3417A). acquisition: Purchased at foregoing sale through Bernard Quaritch

A mixed issue of STC 22172 and STC 22172.32; ESTC S123284 and S117046 ; Pforzheimer 857

4to (7 1/8 x 5 1/2 in.; 182 x 140 mm). Title-page in red and black, a2r, lines 3–4 reading "of Connington | Kight [sic] and Baronet," and line 3 from bottom reads: "be," second signature a2r, line 2 begins "in Works" and line 5 with "of a first borne," page 249 misnumbered "149" with a reading in line 1 of "little,"neat contemporary commentary on the author and book on the first 3 leaves; minor worming at lower inner margin not affecting text, occasional soiling. Fine contemporary English black morocco, the covers paneled with gilt rules and serrated rolls with fleuron cornerpieces, central gilt arms of James I, the smooth spine gilt with horizontal rules and serrated rolls, edges gilt; spine faded with a single wormhole, 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.

First extant edition, of several dated 1618 incorporating numerous variants. The printer's note to the reader indicates that there was an earlier, possibly privately printed, edition that has disappeared: "As I found the Copie partly Printed partly Writen, so is this done off." The absence of the printer's name and the place of publication show that Selden anticipated an unfavorable reaction to his denial of divine right of tithes, and he was not disappointed: The Historie of Tithes "gave great offense to the clergy and was vigorously refuted in a number of volumes to which Selden was forbidden the right to print replies" (Pforzheimer).