Wotton, Henry

4to (8 x 6 1/8 in.; 205 x 156 mm). Woodcut initials, headpiece, with initial blank ¶1, B4 is a cancellandum, unsigned; some soiling, chiefly marginal, throughout. Contemporary limp vellum, covers ruled in gilt; shaken, soiled, ties lost.

W. Bell (early signature on ¶1v). acquisition: Bernard Quaritch, 1982

STC 26011; ESTC S120324; BAL RIBA 3716; Fowler 445; Harris 948

4to (8 x 6 1/8 in.; 205 x 156 mm). Woodcut initials, headpiece, with initial blank ¶1, B4 is a cancellandum, unsigned; some soiling, chiefly marginal, throughout. Contemporary limp vellum, covers ruled in gilt; shaken, soiled, ties lost.
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, large-paper issue, of Wotton's critical compilation of architectural writings, mostly taken from Vitruvius and Philibert de L'Orme. He wrote this brief treatise in haste, in order to impress George Villiers, duke of Buckingham, who was about to appoint a new provost for Eton College, a post that Wotton had been seeking for many years—and obtained in July 1624.

The errata in this copy have been corrected, and because of the similarity of the secretarial hand that wrote in the lengthy omission from page 88 in this copy to the hand that made the same correction in the Lambeth Palace Library copy, Mr. Pirie speculated that the present was a presentation copy, perhaps given to Eton College.