(Bindings, English. Charles II)

Estimate

4,000 - 6,000 USD

bidding is closed

Description

Rene Rapin. Observations on the Poems of Homer and Virgil a Discourse Representing the Excellencies of those Works; and the Perfections, in General, of All Heroick Action. Out of the French, by John Davies of Kidwelly. London: Printed by S[arah]. G[riffin]. and B[ennet]. G[riffin]. for Jonathan Edwin, at the Sign of the Three Roses in Ludgate-Street, [?1672] — W.S. The Poems of Ben. Jonson Junior. Being a Miscelanie of Seriousness, Wit, Mirth, and Mysterie. In Vulpone. The Dream. Iter Bevoriale. Songs. & C. Composed by W.S. Gent. London: Printed for Tho[mas] Passenger at the Three Bibles About the Middle of London Bridge, 1672
ink, paper, leather

Two works bound in one volume, 8vo (5 3/4 x 3 5/8 in.; 146 x 90 mm). Observations: Title within double-ruled border, one woodcut initial, headpiece of printer's ornaments, publisher's advertisement (A1). Poems: Dedication leaves (A2r–3r), contents (A3v–A4r), publisher's advertisements (F7–8); outer margin cut close, sometimes cropped. Fine contemporary polished red morocco paneled gilt with Charles II's crowned cipher (CC addorsed between the Prince of Wales's feathers), the spine gilt in six compartments lettered in the second, and repeating the cipher in the others, the board edges gilt with a floriated roll, plain endpapers, two flyleaves, edges gilt, presumably bound by Samuel Mearne; corners slightly bumped.

Provenance

Charles II, King of Great Britain (bound for him as above, with an early pressmark "83" in black ink on the upper pastedown) — Lionel Tollemache, Fourth Earl of Dysart (Ham House pressmark "L.B.V.44" on an oblong octagonal slip mounted on the upper pastedown) — Raymond and Elizabeth Hartz (sale, Sotheby's New York, 12 December 1991, lot 152). acquisition: Purchased at the foregoing sale through Bernard Quaritch

Literature

Observations: Wing R267; ESTC R30126. Poems: Wing S203; ESTC R37195; Pforzheimer 847. Binding: Davenport, English Heraldic Book-Stamps 109

Condition

Two works bound in one volume, 8vo (5 3/4 x 3 5/8 in.; 146 x 90 mm). Observations: Title within double-ruled border, one woodcut initial, headpiece of printer's ornaments, publisher's advertisement (A1). Poems: Dedication leaves (A2r3r), contents (A3vA4r), publisher's advertisements (F78); outer margin cut close, sometimes cropped. Fine contemporary polished red morocco paneled gilt with Charles II's crowned cipher (CC addorsed between the Prince of Wales's feathers), the spine gilt in six compartments lettered in the second, and repeating the cipher in the others, the board edges gilt with a floriated roll, plain endpapers, two flyleaves, edges gilt, presumably bound by Samuel Mearne; corners slightly bumped.
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 the Poems, and second edition of the Observations, bound for King Charles II. John Davies was a professional translator employed by various London publishers from 1654 through the 1680s; he translated more than thirty books and produced one original work on the civil wars in Great Britain and Ireland.