South, Robert

4to (7 1/2 x 5 3/4 in.; 191 x  146 mm). Imprimatur on A1v, last leaf blank. Contemporary polished speckled calf gilt, cottage style binding, by the Royal Heads Binder, outer border comprising a small scallop and dot roll tool and a foliate roll alternating with a small floral spray on the inside border, red morocco cruciform arabesque onlay at the the center with tan oval only at the center of the arabesque, filled with small gilt tools including an acorn, leafy sprays surmounted by tulip flower heads emanating from four corners of the onlay, its sides flanked by a wide triangular floral tool, corners of the top and bottom of the roof adorned with flower heads and acorns, the spine in six compartments gilt, board edges gilt, marbled endpapers, wide sky blue silk ties, edges gilt; ties a trifle faded and discolored at edges with some fraying, lower joint tender, lower hinge cracked.  Red morocco-backed slipcase and cloth chemise.

acquisition: Maggs, 2013

Wing S4738; ESTC R24563. For the binding: cf. Nixon, English Restoration Bookbindings, no. 53

4to (7 1/2 x 5 3/4 in.; 191 x 146 mm). Imprimatur on A1v, last leaf blank. Contemporary polished speckled calf gilt, cottage style binding, by the Royal Heads Binder, outer border comprising a small scallop and dot roll tool and a foliate roll alternating with a small floral spray on the inside border, red morocco cruciform arabesque onlay at the the center with tan oval only at the center of the arabesque, filled with small gilt tools including an acorn, leafy sprays surmounted by tulip flower heads emanating from four corners of the onlay, its sides flanked by a wide triangular floral tool, corners of the top and bottom of the roof adorned with flower heads and acorns, the spine in six compartments gilt, board edges gilt, marbled endpapers, wide sky blue silk ties, edges gilt; ties a trifle faded and discolored at edges with some fraying,l lower joint tender, lower hinge cracked. Red morocco backed slipcase and cloth chemise.
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, in a handsome and well-preserved contemporary binding by the Royal Heads Binder. The cruciform-shaped onlay is virtually identical to one found on a binding illustrated by Howard M. Nixon in English Restoration Bookbindings (No. 53: The Full Anthems, Harl. ms. 6346, ca. 1665). Nixon notes that none of the printed books bound by the Royal Heads Binder is later than 1664, and conjectures that his equipment was lost in the Fire of London in 1666.