Lot 753
  • 753

Smith, Sir Thomas

Estimate
2,500 - 3,500 USD
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Description

  • Smith, Sir Thomas
  • De Republica Anglorum. The maner of Governement or policie of the Realme of England. London: Printed by Henrie Midleton for Gregorie Seton, 1583
  • paper
Small 4to (7 1/4 x 5 1/4 in.; 184 x 133 mm). Title within border of printer's ornaments ruled in red, decorative woodcut initials, contemporary marginalia; top edge shaved touching title border and "To the Reader" on leaf A2, small tear in top edge of title, a few light marginal stains. Modern red quarter morocco.

Provenance

Maurice Johnson (17c signature on title) — Doyle, New York, 7 November 2011, lot 148. acquisition: Purchased at the foregoing sale through James Cummins

Literature

STC 22857; ESTC S117628

Condition

top edge shaved touching title border and "To the Reader" on leaf A2, small tear in top edge of title, a few light marginal stains. Modern red quarter morocco.
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 edition. One of the best period accounts of Elizabethan England, especially in the area of politics and constitutional law. "Smith offered a brief analysis of English society, and a fuller account of institutions and the legal system. He was able to draw upon his civil law training and experience of the continent to make comparisons to establish the distinctiveness of English institutions" (ONDB). Of great popularity, the work went through eleven editions in English to 1640.