Toland, John

8vo (8 1/4 x 5 in.; 206 x 126 mm). Section-title for Amyntor, but continuous pagination and signatures; a few small wormholes at lower fore-edge margins, filled on the final five leaves, occasional very light browning. Contemporary red morocco by John Matthewman for Thomas Hollis, the covers with a double gilt-rule frame, the front cover with central gilt tools of Liberty flanked by palm and olive branches, the rear cover with central gilt tools of seated Britannia flanked by an owl and cock, the spine in four compartments with author and title gilt-lettered on the spine on two green morocco onlays between gilt-tools of the staff of Hermes and the wand of Aesculapius, marbled endpapers, marbled edges; extremities rubbed, joints with some flaking loss. Red buckram folding-case.

Thomas Hollis (bound for him) — Thomas Brand (by bequest) — Rev. John Disney (by bequest; Sotheby's London, 25 April 1817, lot 903) — Richard Heber (Sotheby's London, 25 April 1836, lot 2861) — Frederick J. O. Montagu (bookplate) — H. W. Pratley (Sotheby's London, 18 July 1988, lot 90). acquisition: H. D. Lyon, 1991

ESTC T137266; cf. W. H. Bond, Thomas Hollis of Lincoln's Inn: A Whig and his Books (Cambridge University Press, 1990); Rothschild Catalogue, II, p.751

8vo (8 1/4 x 5 in.; 206 x 126 mm). Section-title for Amyntor, but continuous pagination and signatures; a few small wormholes at lower fore-edge margins, filled on the final five leaves, occasional very light browning. Contemporary red morocco by John Matthewman for Thomas Hollis, the covers with a double gilt-rule frame, the front cover with central gilt tools of Liberty flanked by palm and olive branches, the rear cover with central gilt tools of seated Britannia flanked by an owl and cock, the spine in four compartments with author and title gilt-lettered on the spine on two green morocco onlays between gilt-tools of the staff of Hermes and the wand of Aesculapius, marbled endpapers, marbled edges; extremities rubbed, joints with some flaking loss. Red buckram folding-case.
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 printing of Hollis's edition of Toland's Life of Milton, preserved in a very good example of his Republican bespoke bookbindings, featuring several of his most characteristic tools. Hollis's tools were cut to his design by the medalist and seal-engraver Thomas Pingo. It was Hollis's habit, if not obsession, to have politically appropriate texts (many prepared by, and published for, him) decorated with his tools of liberty and distributed to suitable libraries, particularly those of Harvard College and the cities of Berne and Zurich. The tools used on the present binding were destroyed in a 1764 fire at Matthewman's shop. Hollis had a second, very similar set made by Pingo, which he continued to use until his death in 1774. For two other Hollis-related works, see lots 916 and 974.