Lot 171
  • 171

COLLINS, THE PRESENT STATE OF RUSSIA, LONDON, 1671, OLD CALF

Estimate
1,500 - 2,000 GBP
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Description

  • The present state of Russia, in a letter to a friend at London, written by an eminent person residing at the Great Tzars Court at Mosco for the space of nine years. London: John Winter for Dorman Newman, 1671
  • Paper
8vo (157 x 90mm.), engraved frontispiece portrait of Alexis Mikhailovich, 6 engraved plate, 4 leaves of advertisements at end, contemporary calf, gilt fillet border, paper flaw on D4 affecting signature, small rust hole in H3, occasional light staining, rebacked, corners repaired

Provenance

Jules Legras, bookplate

Literature

Cross, In the Lands of the Romanovs A6; Wing C5385

Condition

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

Collins (c. 1619-1670) was employed as physician to Tsar Alexis. The work comprises letters sent from Russia (to Robert Boyle?) with topics ranging from the language of Russia to Beluga caviar and mushrooms; however, it is opined that "this book... suffered in part from the improbable anecdotes inserted for the entertainment of the reader, probably by the editors of the book" (ODNB).