- 90
[Donne, John]
Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- Pseudo-Martyr. Wherein out of Certaine Propositions and Gradations, this Conclusion is Evicted. That those which are of the Romane Religion in this Kingdome, may and ought to take the Oath of Allegeance. London: Printed by W. Stansby for Walter Burre, 1610
- paper, ink, leather
4to (8 3/4 x 6 3/8 in.; 222 x 163 mm). Decorative woodcut initials and head- and tailpieces, gathering ¶ ("To the reader" and Errata) bound at end; ¶1.2 with small wormhole costing several letters, occasional light dampstaining at fore-edges. Contemporary stiff vellum with overlapping edges, spine titled in ink, remnants of ties; soiled, a bit shaken small loss to front cover. Half maroon morocco folding-case.
Provenance
Shadwell Park (printed label dated 1842) — Clarence S. Bement (bookplate; evidently sold privately to the Rosenbach Company and offered in catalogue 27 [1935], lot 162, "probably the finest copy known") — Leonard Klein (morocco label) — Harold Greenhill (bookplate) — H. Bradley Martin (bookplate; Sotheby's New York, 30 April 1990, lot 2776)
Literature
STC 7048; ESTC S109984; Grolier/Donne 1, 34 (this copy); Keynes, Donne 1; Pforzheimer 298
Condition
4to (8 3/4 x 6 3/8 in.; 222 x 163 mm). Decorative woodcut initials and head- and tailpieces, gathering ¶ ("To the reader" and Errata) bound at end; ¶1.2 with small wormhole costing several letters, occasional light dampstaining at fore-edges. Contemporary stiff vellum with overlapping edges, spine titled in ink, remnants of ties; soiled, a bit shaken small loss to front cover. Half maroon morocco 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.
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; a fine, large copy of Donne's first published work, with distinguished provenance. "Pseudo-Martyr is not a work of theological controversy, for it deals only with the question of the King’s supremacy in order to show, as the title-page states, 'That those which are of the Romane Religion in this Kingdome, may and ought to take the Oath of Allegeance.' The 'pseudo-martyrs' are the Catholic recusants who have brought punishments upon themselves by their refusal to recognize their lawful sovereign” (Keynes).