[Heywood, Thomas]

Estimate

1,200 - 1,800 USD

bidding is closed

Description

The Life of Merlin, Sirnamed Ambrosius. His Prophesies, and Predictions Interpreted; and Their Truth Made Good by Our English Annalls. Being a Chronographicall History of All the Kings, and Memorable Passages of This Kingdome, from Brute to the Reigne of Our Royall Soveraigne King Charles. London: Printed by J. Okes , and Are to Be Sold by Jasper Emery, 1641
paper, ink, leather

4to (7 x 5 in.; 178 x 127 mm). Engraved frontispiece, title within typographical border, text within ruled border with columns for printed side-notes, woodcut initials and headpieces; some marginal dampstaining in front and back, quire 2Y browned. Contemporary calf; rebacked, original spine laid down, hinges strengthened.

Provenance

John Hoyte (trial signatures on front free endpaper)

Literature

Wing H1786; ESTC R10961; Pforzheimer 478

Catalogue Note

First edition. "This compilation based on Alanus, and the English chroniclers ... is one of Heywood's most interesting pot-boilers. It was designed to attract that growing public which, worried and confused by ... the coming troubles, might hope for guidance from this farrago of prognostications in much the same way that the public seizes upon each new economic forecast today" (Pforzheimer).