- 760
Spenser, Edmund
Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- Spenser, Edmund
- Amoretti and Epithalamion. Written not long since by Edmunde Spenser. London: Printed (by P[eter]. S[hort].) for William Ponsonby, 1595
- printed book
8vo (4 7/8 x 3 1/8 in.; 125 x 80 mm). Roman letter (with italic). Woodcut printer's device on title-page (McKerrow 278), repeated on section-title of Epithalamion (G3r), woodcut initial and headpiece, type-ornament borders at head and foot of text pages; title-page restored with a portion supplied in facsimile, lacking 8 leaves (¶1–2, B1.8, G1.8, H1.8) all supplied in facsimile, other marginal restoration throughout. Russet crushed morocco gilt by Rivière, gilt edges; fine, nearly imperceptible repair to spine.
Provenance
Richard Alye (probably a member of the Scriveners' Company, who died ca. 1640, with his inscription on G2v opposite the title for Epithalamion: "Verces | Versces of the Epigrownd | I Richard Alye") — Marsden J. Perry (sold by Rosenbach with five other STC titles, 1921, to) — The Folger Shakespeare Library (bookplate; duplicate release stamp, 1991). acquisition: Bernard Quaritch, 1991
Literature
STC 23076; ESTC S111260; Johnson, Spenser 15; Pforzheimer 965
Condition
8vo (4 7/8 x 3 1/8 in.; 125 x 80 mm). Roman leter (with italic). Woodcut printer's device on title-page (McKerrow 278), repeated on section-title of Epithalamion (G3r), woodcut initial and headpiece, type-ornament borders at head and foot of text pages; title-page restored with a portion supplied in facsimile, lacking 8 leaves (¶12, B1.8, G1.8, H1.8) all supplied in facsimile, other marginal restoration throughout. Russet crushed morocco gilt by Rivière, gilt edges; fine, nearly imperceptible repair to spine.
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.
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 of Spenser's sequence of sonnets. The volume includes the first publication of Epithalamion, long regarded as one of the finest shorter poems by any Elizabethan.