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Mathematics.- Leybourn (William) Cursus Mathematicus. Mathematical sciences, in nine books. Comprehending arithmetic... Geometry... Cosmography...astronomy... Navigation... Trigonometry... With the description, construction, and use of geometrical and nautical instruments: and the doctrine of triangles, first edition, title printed in red and black with double-rule border, engraved portrait frontispiece and 44 plates, most folding, plate of Tropicall Projection smaller and pasted to verso of 3G3 (as issued), woodcut and engraved diagrams and illustrations, 1 plate printed on verso with lengthy contemporary inscription on recto with show-through from ink, some light creasing to plates, small rust-hole to A1 and F4 with loss to 1 or 2 letters of text, occasional light foxing and soiling, light dampstaining to head towards end, ink ownership inscription to head of title, engraved bookplate loosely inserted, contemporary panelled calf, neatly and sympathetically rebacked and recornered, new endpapers, [Tomash & Williams L95; Wing L1911], folio, for Thomas Basset, Benjamin Tooke, Thomas Sawbridge, Awnsham and John Churchill, 1690.Provenance: John Cooper (ink inscription); Peter Nouaille Greatness (bookplate).

Geology.- Warren (Erasmus) Geologia: or, a Discourse concerning the Earth before the Deluge..., first edition, engraved illustrations, title within double-rule border, occasional light browning and some light marginal dampstaining, ink inscriptions to pastedown and rear endpapers, contemporary calf, sympathetically rebacked, corners repaired, [Wing W966A], small 4to, for R. Chiswell, at the Rose and Crown in St. Paul's Church-Yard, 1690.⁂ The first book in English to use the word "geology", written as a refutation of Burnet.Provenance: James Read (ink inscription).

Italy.- Earthquakes.- Account (An) of the late terrible earthquake in Sicily with most of its particulars, done from the Italian, first edition in English, title within double-rule border, 1p. advertisements, occasional light marginal soiling or damp-staining, modern calf-backed boards with paper label to upper cover, [Wing A316], small 4to, for Richard Baldwin near the Oxford-Arms in Warwick-Lane, 1693.⁂ Scarce report of the powerful earthquake of January 1693 that resulted in the destruction of over 70 towns and the deaths of some 60,000 people.

Wine.- [Ames (Richard)] The Bacchanalian Sessions; or The Conten' tion of Liquors: With a Farewel to Wine, first edition, title with small hole and loss to fore-margin affecting title semicolon, first 2 ff. stained at head, a few ff. closely shaved at head, browning, ink inscription to head of title, later boards, lower half of spine chipped with loss, covers a little browned, [Gabler G11170; Simon 112; Wing A2975], small 4to, printed for E. Hawkins, 1693.⁂ Ames' humorous poem on drinks in which wine, liquors, beer and various other drinks compete and argue for Bacchus' favour. Followed by Farewell to Wine in which Ames warns against drinking wines in taverns: "For that Damn'd Stuff which in their Vaults they brew,/ Which Mystery if we but throughly knew,/ Sooner we'd leap into the Thames or Severn,/ Than Venture on the Wine in any Tavern." Rare, we can trace only a handful of copies at auction. Provenance: Ex Dono Richardi G- (ink inscription).

Asia.- Avril (Philippe) Travels into divers Parts of Europe and Asia, Undertaken by the French King's Order to Discover a New Way by Land into China, 2 parts in 1 vol., first edition in English, title in red and black, lacking A2-4 (prelims) and final advertisement f., title with margins chipped, browned and partially repaired, foxing and light browning, 20th century roan, spine faded, [Wing A4275], 12mo, for Tim. Goodwin, at the Maidenhead over-against St. Dunstan's-Church in Fleetstreet, 1693⁂ Avril set out on his mission to find an overland route to China in 1685. He visited Cyprus, Syria, Asia Minor and Persia before being turned back at Astrakhan. He returned to France via Constantinople, Moldavia and Poland.Provenance: John Lester (ink inscription).

Witchcraft.- Hale (Sir Matthew) A Collection of Modern Relations of Matter of Fact, Concerning Witches & Witchcraft upon the Persons of People... Part I [all published], first edition, title within double-rule border, title browned and mounted on stub, spotting and browning, numerous underlinings, last f. with ink stain to verso, bookplate loosely inserted, 20th century half calf, [Norman 967; Wing H224], small 4to, for John Harris, at the Harrow in the Poultrey, 1693.⁂ "Hale, chief justice of the King's Bench under Charles II, was convinced of the existence of witchcraft, and encouraged the persecution of witches. He presided over a notorious witch trial at Bury St. Edmunds in 1664, which achieved prosecution by allowing hearsay evidence and testimony from involed parties" Norman.Provenance: Henry Cunliffe Armiger (bookplate).

Gardens.- Evelyn (John).- Quintinye (Jean de la) The Compleat Gard'ner: or, Directions for Cultivating and Right Ordering of Fruit Gardens and Kitchen-Gardens...to which is added His Treatise of Orange-Trees, with the Raising of Melons, translated by John Evelyn, first English edition, title printed in red and black, engraved portrait frontispiece and 11 plates (2 double-page), charming engraved vignettes, a few small engraved or woodcut illustrations within text, I2&3, P1&6, U1&4, second B1&4 and G1&3 remargined, occasional dampstaining, some marginal soiling, bookplate to pastedown, contemporary calf, rebacked, margins repaired, light wear to covers, [Henrey 218; Hunt 388; Keynes 103; Wing L431], folio, for Matthew Gillyflower, at the Spread Eagle in Westminster-Hall, and James Partridge, at the Posthouse at Charing-Cross, 1693.⁂ The author was director of the fruit and kitchen gardens of the French royal households from 1670 to 1688. Includes a section on Orange-Trees and Melons, not found in the French editions.Provenance: Marshall Laird (bookplate).

Earthquakes.- Shower (John) Practical reflections on the late earthquakes in Jamaica, England, Sicily, Malta, etc., anno 1692, first edition, title within double-rule border, with a final advertisement f., some light browning to margins, contemporary calf, rebacked extremities repaired, [Sabin 80740; Wing S3680], small 8vo, for John Salusbury at the Rising Sun in Cornhill, and Abraham Chandler at the Chirurgion's Arms in Aldersgate-street, 1693.⁂ Rare, we can trace no copy at auction since 1985.

Maritime.- St. Lo (George) England's Safety: or, A Bridle to the French King. Proposing a Sure Method for Encouraging Navigation, and Raising Qualified Seamen for the Well Manning of their Majesties Fleet on any Occasion, first edition, title within double-rule border, additional wood-engraved title (closely shaved at foot, affecting last line of imprint), with additional advertisement inserted after B3, occasional light foxing, a few ff. closely shaved at foot, with loss to a few signatures and catchwords (touching text on F2 & 3), 20th century speckled half calf, [Kress 1823; Wing S341], small 4to, for Will. Miller at the Gilded Acorn in St. Paul's Church-yard, 1693.⁂ Written by St. Lo following his 2 years of captivity in France, during which time he witnessed France's ability to raise a large, professional naval force. This imprint rare with only 5 copies listed on ESTC.

[H.(N.)] The Ladies Dictionary; being a General Entertainment for the Fair-Sex: A Work Never attempted before in English, first edition, title within double-rule border, title and A2 repaired at inner margin, rust-hole to Q8 with loss to 2 or 3 letters of text, 2A2 lower margin torn away with loss to catchword, touching text, 3D1 holed with loss to 3 or 4 words of text, 4B3 with chip to foot with loss to 1 word of text, browning, modern panelled calfWing H99], 8vo, Printed for John Dunton at the Raven in the Poultrey, 1694.⁂ A scarce dictionary dealing with all aspects of life deemed of interest to women, including long entries on fashion, clothing, cosmetics and beauty, courtship, men and "keeping house", together with sections on issues of morality titled "Secret lovers", "Women in men's clothing", "Books" ("The forbidding of idle books makes young people more curious to read them"), "Virgins", "Womens phancies in child-bearing", "Whoring" ("causes a man to spend flesh for silver, till he becomes so lank and lean, that his legs are scarce able to support their late portly master"), and "Night-walkers and Divers" ("she opens her shop-windows when all other trades about to shut them").

Music theory .- Holder (William) A Treatise of the Natural Grounds, and Principles of Harmony, first edition, title within double-rule border, 2 engraved plates of musical notation, 1 folding, errata f. after contents, occasional light browning, a few ff. closely trimmed at head, touching page-numbers, L1 with portion of margin torn away, just touching text, half morocco by Sangorski & Sutcliffe, [Wing H2389A], 8vo, by J. Heptinstall, for John Carr, at the Middle-Temple-Gate, in Fleet-street, 1694.⁂ Important treatise exploring the physics and acoustics of music. Holder was married Christopher Wren's sister and was an occasional tutor to his brother-in-law. One of 3 issues published the same year, all scarce, ESTC lists 7 copies with this imprint.

Mathematics.- Leybourn (William) Pleasure with Profit: Consisting of Recreations of Divers Kinds, viz. numerical, geometrical, mechanical, statical, astronomical, horometrical, cryptographical, magnetical, automatical, chymical, and historical. Published to Recreate Ingenious Spirits; and to induce them to make farther scrutiny into these (and the like), sublime sciences..., to this work is also annext, A Treatise of Algebra... by R. Sault, first edition, title within double-rule border, woodcut initials, diagrams and charts, 2 folding engraved plates, ink inscriptions and light soiling to title, A2 with upper corner torn away, not affecting text, occasional browning, contemporary calf, repairs to covers and spine ends, wear to covers, [Tomash & Williams L106; Wing L1931 & S732B], folio, for Richard Baldwin, and John Dunton; near the Oxford-Arms in Warwick-Lane: and at the Raven in the Poultrey, 1694.⁂ Includes Salusbury's translation of Galileo's La Bilancetta as well as Descartes' treatise on mathematics.Provenance: Pierce Edwards; Revd. Tho. Edward, Llanaber (ink inscriptions).

Witchcraft.- Bekker (Balthasar) The World Bewitch'd; or, An Examination of the Common Opinions Concerning Spirits, vol. 1 (all published), first English edition, with half-title and initial blank ff., title within double-rule border, closely trimmed occasionally touching text along fore-margin or catchwords at foot, ink ownership inscription to endpaper, bookplate to pastedown, 19th century blindstamped calf, lower joint cracked but holding firm, [Wing B1781; cf. Caillet I, 131], 12mo, for R. Baldwin in Warwick Lane, 1695.⁂ The rare first English edition of this important Enlightenment text. We can trace only 2 other complete copies at auction. Bekker (1634-98) published his 4-volume examination of witchcraft from 1691 to 1693, the present work contains the full text of the first volume (the only one published in English) alongside a lengthy abridgment of the complete work. Bekker's refutation of the popular superstitions surrounding witchcraft and demonology led to a storm of controversy and the author's eventual excommunication. Nevertheless this work contributed to the end of the witch trials and was an important step in the shift of natural philosophy away from the influence of religion and superstition. Provenance: "Mitford" (ink ownership inscription dated 1816); Henry Cunliffe Armiger (sold, his sale, Sotheby's, 1946).

Calligraphy.- Seddon (John) The Pen-Mans Paradis both Pleasant & Profitable; or, Examples of all ye usuall Hands of this Kingdome, first edition, engraved frontispiece portrait, title, dedication and 32 plates, portrait trimmed to margin and laid down with loss to lower corner and several repaired tears, title rather browned and soiled, laid down with chip to head, second and last plates laid down with repaired tears and chips, foxing and dampstaining, light soiling, occasional early scribbling or colouring, later roan-backed limp boards, rather rubbed and worn, oblong folio, Sold by Iohn Stuart at the Old Three Bibles & Ink Bottles ye corner of ye square on London Bridge, [1695].⁂ A rare and attractive work, Seddon was much admired for his ornamental penmanship.

[Le Roy (Pierre) and others]. A Pleasant Satyre or Poesie: wherein is discovered the Catholicon of Spayne, and the chiefe leaders of the League. Finalie fetcht over, and laide open in their colours. Newly turned out of French into English, first edition in English, woodcut device on title, first word of title within woodcut entablature, woodcut initials and head-piece, with final blank f., D4 with portion of fore-margin restored, not affecting text, 2C2 with lower margin restored with loss to catchword, light worming throughout with occasional minor loss to text, several lines of text heavily crossed through with much of text still visible but occasionally causing holing without significant loss, occasional light marking or staining, a few underlinings and early ink notes to margins, bookplates to pastedown, later calf with blindstamped central lozenge to covers, rebacked, [STC 15489], small 4to, by the widdow Orwin for Thomas Man, dwelling in Pater-noster row at the signe of the Talbot, 1595.⁂ The first English translation of La Satyre Ménippée de la vertu du Catholicon d'Espagne (Tours, 1594), political satire on the Catholic League, praised by Diderot in his Encyclopédie.Provenance: Jack Smith and John Brian Smith (bookplates).

Feminism.- [Drake (Judith)] An Essay in Defence of the Female Sex. In which are inserted the Characters of a Pedant, a Squire, a Beau, a Vertuoso, a Poetaster, a City-Critick, &c...by a Lady, first edition, engraved frontispiece of 'The Compleat Beau', title within double-rule border, light offsetting onto title, contemporary panelled calf, splitting to joints, spine ends chipped, 8vo, for A. Roper and E. Wilkinson at the Black Boy, and R. Clavel at the Peacock, in Fleetstreet, 1696.⁂ The first English feminist tract, also attributed to Mary Astell but now generally accepted to be by Judith Drake whose husband wrote the commendatory verses at the beginning. The treatise is a defence against male accusations of ignorance, vanity, enviousness etc. of women and also addresses the faults of men, particularly satirizing some of hercontemporaries.

[Pix (Mrs. Mary)] The Spanish Wives. A Farce, first edition, the Roxburghe-Harlech copy, title with typographic decoration, foxing and browning, ink inscription to title, 19th century half morocco, gilt, joints worn, [Wing P2332], small 4to, for R. Wellington, at the sign of the Lute in St. Paul's Church yard, 1696.⁂ A scarce play by the woman playwright. Though she subsequently fell out of fashion, Pix's plays were admired in their day, with her comedies especially lauded. Her plays are notable for their prominent and numerous female characters. Provenance: Duke of Roxburghe (ink stamp to title verso); early ink note adds that it was bought by Evans for M. Giles, and was sold in the Giles sale (5 th. July, 1820) for 1/6; Lord Harlech (pencil note to endpaper, sold, his sale, 27-28th February, 1956).

Medicine.- Boulton (Richard) A Treatise of the Reason of Muscular Motion: or the Efficient Causes of the Contraction of a Muscle, first edition, with initial imprimatur f. and 2 final advertisement ff., title within double-ruled border, imprimatur f. chipped and frayed at foot, D2 with loss to lower corner, not affecting text, light marginal browning, some soiling towards end, modern panelled calf, spine faded, [Wing B3833; not in Wellcome], 12mo, by A[wnsham] and J[ohn] Churchill, at the Black Swan in Pater-Noster-Row, 1697.⁂ Boulton's first work, scarce, we can trace only one other complete copy at auction.

Medicine.- Flamand (M.) The Art of Preserving and Restoring Health. Explaining the nature and causes of the distempers that afflict mankind. Also shewing that every man is, or may be, his own best physician. To which is added a treatise of the most simple and effectual remedies for the diseases of men and women, 2 parts in 1 vol., first edition in English, title within double-ruled border, foxing and light staining, ink ownership inscription to head of title, later calf, neatly rebacked and recornered, [Wellcome III, p.30; Wing F1129], 12mo, by R. Bently, in Covent-Garden; H. Bonwick, in St. Paul's Church-yard; and S. Manship, at the Ship in Cornhill, 1697.⁂ Rare at auction, we can trace no complete copy since 1954. The first part is a general discussion of health matters while the second includes specific medical receipts and suggested cures. Provenance: "Rog. Wilkson E. Coll. Uni. Oxon. (ink inscription to title).

Medicine.- Pechey (John) A Plain Introduction to the Art of Physick, To which is added...alphabetical tables of the vertues of roots, barks, woods, herbs, flowers, seeds, fruits, juices and gums, of animals and things taken from them, of minerals, &c., first edition, 4pp. advertisements at end, title with library stamp and small ink/pencil numbers and some staining, water-staining to lower margins of sigs. Y to end, occasionally encroaching on text, 20th century half calf, spine gilt, [Henrey 287; Wing P1027], 8vo, printed for Henry Bonwicke, at the Red-Lion in St. Paul's-Church-Yard, 1697. ⁂ Rare at auction. The last copy we can trace was sold in 1986. This work of medical lore owes much to John Ray. Pechey was a London physician.Provenance: The Cetus copy (sold Bloomsbury Auctions, 22nd September, 2011, lot 300).

Voyages.- Dellon (Charles) A Voyage to the East-Indies: giving an Account of the Isles of Madagasca, and Mascareigne, of Suratte, the Coast of Malabar, of Goa, Gameron, Ormus, and the Coast of Brasil, with the Religion, Customs, Trade, &c. Of the Inhabitants, as also a Treatise, to the Distempers peculiar to the Eastern Countries..., 3 parts in 1 vol., first edition in English, titles within double-rule borders, foxing and browning, small rust-hole to F5, R8 with small hole to margin, last few ff. creased, last f. with repaired tear, contemporary calf, neatly and sympathetically rebacked, [Wing D943A], 8vo, for D. Browne, at the Black-Swan without Temple-Bar; A. Roper, at the Black-Boy; and T. Leigh, at the Peacock, both in Fleet-Street, 1698.⁂ Scarce. During his travels in the East Indies Dellon was denounced to the Inquisition at Goa. He was imprisoned for two years and frequently tortured to extract a confession of heresy. He refused to confess and was consequently condemned to the galleys for five years.

Asia.- Fryer (John) A New Account of East-India and Persia, first edition, title printed in red and black with double-rule border, half-title with engraved portrait on verso, 7 engraved maps and plates, 3 double-page, one full-page engraved map in text, with printed slip pasted below, occasional browning, a few ff. heavily, bookplate to pastedown, contemporary speckled calf, spine gilt in compartments, spine rubbed, joints splitting at head and foot, [Wing F2257], folio, R.R. for Ri. Chiswell, at the Rose and Crown in St. Paul's Church-Yard, [1698].⁂ In 1672 Fryer embarked on a 10-year tour to India, Goa, the Arab Gulf and Persia then returned to England. The work includes a detailed account of Surat and Muscat and mentions pirates in the Gulf, and the natural history of the region.Provenance: Sr. John Wentworth of North Elmes Hall (armorial bookplate).

Swimming.- Thevenot (Melchisédec) The Art of Swimming. Illustrated by Proper Figures. With Advice for Bathing, first edition in English, half-title, title within double-rule border, 40 engraved plates, lacking final 4 advertisement ff., B6 & 7 pulling at gutter and becoming loose, A3 recto with single word erased at head, the odd spot but clean generally, bookplate to pastedown, 19th century half morocco, extremities rubbed, [Wing T888], 12mo, for Dan. Brown at the Swan without Temple-Bar; D. Midwinter and T. Leigh at the Rose and Crown, and Robert Knaplock at the Angel, in St. Pauls Church-Yard, 1699.⁂ Thevenot's hugely popular swimming manual, first published in France in 1696 and famously appreciated by Benjamin Franklin amongst others. Complete copies are scarce at auction. Provenance: William Charles de Meuron, Earl Fitzwilliam (bookplate, sold Sotheby's, 26-28th April, 1948).

Machiavelli (Niccolò) The Florentine Historie, translated by T. Bedingfeld, first edition in English, title within woodcut historiated border, woodcut initials and 8 woodcut headpieces, title a little browned with fore-margin frayed occasionally touching woodcut border, fore-margins closely shaved, occasionally touching printed side-notes, worming to lower margin, not affecting text, occasional light spotting, some light marginal browning or soiling, 17th century blindstamped calf with initials "I.O.W." stamped within fleurons, rebacked, corners a little worn, folio, by T. C. for W. P., 1595.⁂ First edition in English of Machiavelli's history of Florence, commissioned by the Medici family and first published posthumously in 1532.

Divorce.- Treatise Concerning Adultery and Divorce (A), first edition, woodcut initial, occasional spotting, ink inscription to foot of title, book-label to pastedown 19th century half calf, extremities rather rubbed and worn, upper cover becoming loose, [Wing T2086], small 4to, by R. Roberts, 1700.⁂ Rare examination of divorce and adultery, we can only trace one copy at auction in the last 70 years. Provenance: Charles Clark, Totham, Essex (book-label).

Comines (Philippe de) The Historie of Philip de Commines Knight, Lord of Argenton, first edition in English, title within elaborate woodcut historiated border (shaved to border), woodcut initials, head- and tail-pieces, genealogical tables on pp. 379-96 followed by errata f., C4 with short tear to lower margin just touching text, a few later ff. closely shaved, touching text, errata f. repaired at margins, annotated throughout in a contemporary hand, modern calf, [Pforzheimer 190; STC 5602], folio, by Ar. Hatfield, for I. Norton, 1596.⁂ Translated by Thomas Dannett and dedicated to Lord Burghley, Comines' Historie is essentially a memoir of his diplomatic experiences along with some thoughts on the prerogative of princes.

Forestry.- Manwood (John) A Treatise and Discourse of the Lawes of the Forrest, first published edition, mostly black letter, title within typographic border, woodcut initials, lacking blank Z8, title and first 3 text ff. restored at margins, 2A1 fore-margin restored, 2A2-2B2 ?supplied with fore-margins cropped without loss to text, some dampstaining and occasional soiling, some occasional fraying to corners, a few ink notes and scribblings in an early hand, lower hinge broken, recased in contemporary vellum, lacking ties, discoloured, spine repaired, later endpapers, small 4to, [Goldsmiths' 284; Kress 207; Schwerdt II, p.7; STC 17291], small 4to, Thomas Wright and Bonham Norton, 1598.⁂ The author was a barrister of Lincoln's Inn and gamekeeper of Waltham Forest who, in 1592, issued privately a work entitled A Brefe Collection of the Lawes of the Forest... This was later revised, enlarged and published as the present work, and thereafter in many editions, remaining the standard work on forest law until at least the nineteenth century. It includes sections on hunting and hawking.Provenance: Henrie Truman (ink inscription).

Tacitus (Publius Cornelius) The Annales.... The Description of Germanie, first edition in English, title with lower corner restored, [STC 23644], [by Arn. Hatfield, for Bonham and John Norton], 1598, bound with The Ende of Nero and Beginning of Galba, second edition, with final blank f., [STC 23643], by Edm. Bollifant, for Bonham and John Norton, 1598, together 2 works in 1 vol., woodcut initials, dampstaining, heavier to first work, later calf, rebacked, new endpapers, folio.⁂ The two works issued, and therefore usually found, together.

Lanquet (Thomas) An epitome of cronicles. Conteyninge the whole discourse of the histories as well of this realme of England as al other coutreys, black letter, woodcut initials, lacking first F4-seoncd B1 (6ff., all prelims), title a little soiled with chip to foot and upper corner restored, rust-hole to 2M2 with loss to 2 or 3 letters of text, 2Q3 bound back-to-front, 3D1-3 with chip to fore-margin, affecting some printed marginal numeration, 3Y1 with loss to lower corner, last f. laid down, 19th century diced blindstamped russia, upper joint cracked at head, extremities rubbed, g.e., small 4to, in ædibus Thomæ Marshe, [1559].⁂ A pirate edition of this world chronicle first published in 1549.

[Allott (Robert, editor)] Wits Theater of the little World, first edition, title with fine woodcut device of cherubs sittings astride cornucopia and vines entwining a fish, with final errata f., occasional very light browning, cancel slip on 2B1 recto largely degraded, 2I4 with small hole touching text, errata f. with small portion of loss to upper corner, contemporary limp vellum, yapp edges, some light discolouration, a very good copy, [Pforzheimer 1094; STC 382], small 8vo, by J. R. for N. L. & are to be sold at the west doore of Paules, 1599.⁂ First edition of this Elizabethan prose "collection of the flowers of antiquities and histories", the issue with the dedication unsigned. With excerpts from works by Luther, Erasmus, Ovid, Augustine, Pertrach and Froissart among others.

Exorcism.- [Harsnett (Samuel)] A Discovery of the Fraudulent Practises of John Darrel... oncerning the Pretended Possession and Dispossession of William Somers at Nottingham: of Thomas Darling, the boy of Burton at Caldwall: and of Katherine Wright at Mansfield, & Whittington: and of his dealings with one Mary Couper at Nottingham, detecting in some sort the deceitfull trade in these latter dayes of casting out devils, first edition, woodcut device on title, woodcut initials, head- and tail-pieces, title a little soiled and with a few later ink inscriptions, occasional light marginal browning or soiling, ink notes in a contemporary hand to verso of title and a few margins elsewhere, ink stamp to title verso, later calf, cracking to head of upper joint, light rubbing to extremities, [STC 12883], small 4to, John Wolfe, 1599.⁂ John Darrell (b.1562), curate at St. Mary's Church, Nottingham, was known for his Puritan views and gained notoriety for a series of high-profile exorcisms. Harsnett (1561-1631, later Archbishop of York) was appointed to investigate and found Darrell guilty of fraudulent exorcisms. Darrel was stripped of holy orders and imprisoned but released in 1599.Provenance: C. de Cardonel (ink inscription on title dated 1649); William Herbert (1718-95; his typical cypher on title); Sir Thomas Gage (1781-1820; ink inscription on title and stamp to verso).

Agriculture.- Estienne (Charles) and Jean Liébault. Maison Rustique, or the Countrie Farme... also a short collection of the hunting of the Hart, wilde Bore, Hare, Foxe, Gray, Conie; of Birds and Faulconrie..., translated by Richard Surflet, first edition in English, woodcut device on title, ornaments, initials and illustrations, some full-page, lacking Y8-Z1 (illustrations of knot gardens), title soiled, torn and restored, with loss to several words, several ff. at beginning and end with margins frayed and partly repaired, occasional worming, mostly marginal, some light soiling and dampstaining, ink inscription to pastedown, 20th century half calf, upper joint cracked, [STC 10547; Fussell I p.13], 4to, by Edm. Bollifant for Bonham Norton, 1600.⁂ Provenance: G. E. Fussell (probably the English agricultural historian, ink inscription dated May 1927).

[Terry (John)] The Triall of Truth, containing a plaine and short discovery of the chiefest pointes of the doctrine of the great Antichrist, and of his adherentes the false teachers and heretikes of these last times. first edition, title with woodcut ornament, woodcut initials, some later hand-colouring to woodcut initials and ornaments, title a little soiled and tearing along inner margin, some marking and underlining in coloured inks, some staining towards end, last f. chipped, affecting headline, closely shaved, printed notes to endpapers, bookplates, 20th century blindstamped calf by Comdr. A. A. Gilbert, extremities rubbed, [STC 23913], small 4to, Oxford, by Joseph Barnes, and are to be sold in Paules Church-yard at the signe of the Bible, 1600.⁂ Rare, we can trace only 1 copy at auction in the last 70 years.Provenance: Comdr. A. A. Gilbert (bookplate).

Cornwall.- Carew (Richard) The Survey of Cornwall, first edition, title with woodcut printer's device, woodcut initials and headpieces, errata f., lacking initial blank f., 2G1 with small portion of restoration to lower margin, occasional light browning, last few ff. a little foxed, 19th century inscription to front free endpaper, 19th century straight-grain aubergine morocco, gilt, spine rubbed and faded, g.e., [STC 4615], small 4to, by S. S. for Iohn Iaggard, and are to bee sold neere Temple-barre, at the signe of the Hand and Starre, 1602.⁂ First edition of Carew's pioneering county history, which is "above all a representation of Cornwall as its author saw it, in terms of the landscape and climate, and of the occupations of men and women whose lives these shaped. Such matters as the local tin mines, the fishing industry, and the games people played, including hurling, all come within the compass of his lively pen." - ODNB.Provenance: William Pickering (1796-1854, publisher, 19th century ink inscription "Bought at the sale of Mr Pickering's books, 1856"); John Heugh, Alderley Edge (ink inscription).

Italy.- Thomas (William) The Historye of Italye. A booke exceding profitable to be red: because it intreateth of the astate of many and dyuers common weales, how they haue bene, and now be governed, second edition, black letter, title within woodcut border, woodcut initials, lacking 2I2&3 and blank ff. A4 and T4, title a little browned, worming to first half, occasional light marginal soiling, 19th century calf, upper cover detached, lower joint starting, [ESTC 24019], in Fletestrete nere to Sainct Dunstons Church by Thomas Marshe, [1561].SRN: this lot is lacking 3I2&3, not 2I2&3.⁂ The first book in English devoted entirely to Italy, first published in 1549. Thomas was influential at the English court and was a clerk of the Privy Council under Edward VI. His strong protestant sympathies proved his undoing however and he lost many of his preferments at court following the Mary's accession. Thomas became openly treasonous towards the Queen, took an active part in the Wyatt conspiracy and attempted to flee to Wales. He was arrested however and executed at Tyburn in 1554, at which event the executioner also burned the first edition run of the present work.

Barlow (William) The Summe and Substance of the Conference, which, it pleased his excellent Maiestie to haue with the lords, bishops, and other of his clergie...in his Maiesties priuy-chamber, at Hampton Court, first edition, the Phillipps copy, title with woodcut royal arms, woodcut initials and headpieces, lacking final blank f., ink name to title and numerous ink marginal notes and annotations, book-label to pasedown, modern morocco-backed cloth, [STC 1456], small 4to, by John Windet; for Mathew Law, and are to be sold at his shop in Powles Churchyeard, neare S. Austens Gate, 1604.⁂ A scarce account of the Hampton Court Conference on the Book of Common Prayer.Provenane: Thomas Phillipps (Bibliotheca Phillippica book-label)

Union of the Crowns.- [Cornwallis (Sir William)] The Miraculous and Happie Union of England and Scotland, how admirable meanes it is effected; how profitable to both Nations and how free of any inconveniences either past, present, or to be discerned, first edition, title with woodcut decoration, woodcut initials and headpieces, lacking initial blank f., light soiling to final f., but a very good, clean copy generally, 20th century half morocco, [STC 5782], small 4to, for Edward Blount, 1604.⁂ A scarce work enthusing over the arrival of James I to the English throne. "The new sovereign brought with him one good gift that was personal to himself-the union with Scotland... Warres are ceased, peace is entreated on all sides, oppressions are abolished, in the meane time, the Prince exercising al those vertues that may make the subject happy, his justice, his mercy, his liberality, his benignity"

France.- [Dallington (Sir Robert)] A Method for Travell. Shewed by Taking the View of France. As it Stood in the Yeare of Our Lord 1598, title with woodcut device, woodcut initials, head- and tail-pieces, folding tables, the second with closed tear, contemporary calf, neatly and sympathetically rebacked, [STC 6203], small 4to, by Thomas Creede, [1605].⁂ The first authorised edition of this guidebook to travel in France, previously issued in 1604 as The View of France, condemned by the author in the preface of this edition as a piracy.

Ghosts and demonology.- Le Loyer (Pierre) A Treatise of Specters or Straunge Sights, Visions, and Apparitions appearing sensibly unto Men. Wherein is delivered, the Nature of Spirites, Angels, and Divels; their Power and Properties; as also of Witches, Sorcerers, Enchanters, and such like, first edition in English, title with woodcut decoration, woodcut initials and headpieces, with errata f. at end (portion torn away at head), title a little soiled and stained with some early ink scribbling, L2 verso and L3 recto rather soiled and with some chipping to head, occasional light dampstaining, heavier towards end, worming to head of first part, occasionally touching text, 19th century half calf, neatly rebacked, [STC 15448], small 4to, by Val. S. for Mathew Lownes, 1605.⁂ First English edition of Le Loyer's classic work on ghosts, demons and other spirits and superstitions, first published in France in the same year.

Ayscu (Warres) A Historie Contayning the Warres, Treaties, Marriages, and other occurents betweene England and Scotland, first edition, title with woodcut device depicting map of the British Isles within an uroboros border, woodcut initials and headpieces, with blank A8 but lacking blank A1, blindstamp to title, occasional light foxing or staining, ink ownership inscription to foot of P8 verso, bookplate to pastedown, 19th century half calf, extremities rubbed, [STC 1014], small 4to, by G. Eld, 1607.⁂ An abridgement of earlier histories, this work seeks to glorify King James I and defend his claim to the united crown. Provenance: Joseph Swayne (ink inscription); William Fuller Maitland (bookplate); Westminster College Library, Fulton, Missouri (blindstamp).

Hall (Joseph) Characters of Vertues and Vices. In Two Bookes, 2 parts in 1 vol., first edition, title within woodcut architectural border, divisional titles within typographic border, woodcut initials, head- and tail-pieces, text within ruled borders, lacking initial and final blank ff., occasional light marginal soiling, contemporary ink inscription to foot of title, bookplate to title verso and pastedown, 19th century half calf, rubbed, [STC 12648], small 8vo, by Melch. Bradwood for Eleazar Edgar and Samuel Macham, and are to be sold at the sign of the Bul-head in Pauls Church-yard, 1608.⁂ First edition of this collection of satirical portraits in the manner of Theophrastus. Provenance: Will. Blofeld (ink inscription); Collegii Sti Augustii (bookplate).

Jesuits.- Hellish and Horribble Councell (The), practised and used by the Jesuites when they would have a man to murther a King. According to those damnable instructions, given (by them) to that bloody villaine Francis Ravilliacke, the late French King. In answere of that impudent Pamphlet, published by Peter Cotton, first edition, mostly black letter, woodcut initials head- and tail-pieces, some light dampstaining, last 4ff. lower margins repaired, not affecting text, 20th century half calf, [STC 5862], small 4to, for T. B. and are to be sold by Iohn Wright at his shop in Christs-Church-gate, 1610.⁂ Rare anti-Jesuit pamphlet primarily aimed at attacked Pierre Coton (1564-1626), Henry IV of France's royal confessor. We can trace only one other copy at auction in the last 70 years.

Most Famous and Renowned Historie (The), of that Woorthie and Illustrous Knight Meruine, 2 parts in 1 vol., first edition in English, black letter, first title within typographic border, second title with woodcut device, woodcut initials head- and tail-pieces, lacking O1, 07, P8, and V8 with portions of margin torn away, touching text, R1-2 and 7-8 repeated, inserted between Z2 and 4, dampstaining and some browning, a few ff. closely shaved at head, affecting page numbers, some soiling towards end, 18th century calf, gilt, rebacked, [STC 17844], small 4to, By R. Blower and Val. Sims, 1612.⁂ Rare first English edition of this French romance, ESTC lists only 2 copies in the UK, the translation is sometimes credited to Gervase Markham.

Venice.- Fougasses (Thomas de) The Generall Historie of the Magnificent State of Venice, from the First Foundation thereof untill this Present. Collected out of all Authors, both Ancient and Moderne, that have written of that Subject, translated by W.Shute, 2 parts in 1 vol., first edition in English, title with woodcut plan of Venice, 90 woodcut portraits of the Venetian Doges within decorative borders, woodcut initials, head and tail-pieces, lacking initial, final and 3C4 blank ff., title laid down with margins restored without loss text or images, first 8ff. of text with restoration to margins, affecting text in a few plates, fraying to corners of several other early ff., H1, M5, 2M3, 2R4 and 3B2 with small holes or rust-holes with loss to 1 or 2 letters of text, Q6 with tear at foot running into text, contemporary panelled calf, rebacked, corners repaired, new endpapers, [STC 11207], folio, by G. Eld, and W. Stansby, 1612.

Matthieu (Pierre) The Heroyk Life and Deplorable Death of the Most Christian King Henry the Fourth, 2 parts in 1 vol., first edition in English, woodcut initials and headpieces, woodcut portrait to A4 verso, light soiling and ink inscriptions to title, repaired tear to 2M2, ink stamp to foot of 2R4, occasional dampstaining and some browning, later half calf, rebacked, retaining original backstrip, rubbed, [STC 17661], small 4to, by George Eld, 1612.⁂ Matthieu (1563-1621) became the semi-official historian to the court of Henry IV of France and enjoyed special access to the king.

Forestry.- Standish (Arthur) New Directions of Experience to the Commons Complaint ... for the Planting of Timber and Fire-wood, title within double-rule border, woodcut royal arms, woodcut initials, head- and tail-pieces, lacking final blank f., but with 2 additional ff. following the dedication f. comprising "The Epistle Dedicatorie" (?from The Commons Complaint, 1611), title and dedication with upper corner restored, title with lower margin restored, small rust hole to C3 and F1 touching text but without significant loss, 20th century half morocco, spine faded, [Fussell p. 33; Henrey 356; STC 23204.5], small 4to, [by Nicholas Okes], 1613.⁂ "[O]ne of the first treatises to be published in this country entirely devoted to forestry" - Henrey. Of this edition, ESTC lists 6 copies only.

Duelling.- Bacon (Sir Francis) The charge of Sir Francis Bacon Knight, his Maiesties Attourney generall, touching duells, upon an information in the Star-chamber against Priest and Wright. With the decree of the Star-chamber in the same cause, first edition, lacking initial and final blank f., woodcut initials and head-pieces, some light browning, G1 with small repaired hole with loss to 1 or 2 letters of text, bookplate to pastedown, crushed brown morocco by Riviere & Son, spine lettered in gilt, inner gilt dentelles, light fading to spine, g.e., [Gibson 102; Thimm p.21; STC 1125], small 4to, Printed [by George Eld] for Robert Wilson, and are to be sold [by Robert Wilson and W. Bladen] at Graies Inne Gate, 1614.⁂ Bacon against duels. He brought his case to court to see if it could 'doe any good to tame and reclaime that evill which seems unbridled'. He viewed duels as a threat to authority and against the will of God.Provenance: crowned armorial bookplate with motto "Honi Soit qui Mal Y Pense."

[D'Avity (Pierre)] The Estates, Empires, & Principalities of the World, Represented by ye description of Countries, maners of Inhabitants, Riches of Provinces, forces, Government, Religion and the Princes That Have Governed in Every Estate, translated by Edward Grimstone, first edition in English, title with engraved architectural border depicting the peoples of the world in homage to James I by Renold Elstracke, woodcut initials, head- and tail-pieces, with initial and final blank ff., 3A5-3B2 with small rust-hole to upper margin, 4N1 with tear to lower margin, occasional light dampstaining, mostly marginal, but a very good, clean copy generally, a few contemporary ink notes to margins, contemporary calf, initialled in gilt on covers, some wear to spine ends and corners, light staining to covers, [STC 988], folio, by Adam: Islip; for Mathewe: Lownes; and Iohn: Bill, 1615.⁂ An excellent copy of d'Avity's comprehensive account of the economic, geographic and political powers of the world. Includes much on the Americas including Florida added by Grimstone for this edition.Provenance: R. A. (gilt initials to covers).

James I and VI (King of England and Scotland) The Workes of the Most High and Mightie Prince, Iames, by the Grace of God, King of Great Britaine, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, &c., first edition, first issue, half-title with fine engraved portrait of James I verso (margins trimmed and window-mounted with small hole to foot without loss), fine engraved additional pictorial title (closely trimmed to margins and laid down), small engraved portrait of Prince Charles to head of dedication, letterpress title (portion cut away and restored at head not affecting text) with woodcut device, woodcut arms to a2, woodcut initials head- and tail-pieces, lacking final blank f., rust hole to 2T and 3B3, occasional very light foxing or browning, contemporary calf, gilt, neatly rebacked, [Pforzheimer 531; STC 14344], folio, by Robert Barker and Iohn Bill, printers to the Kings most excellent Maiestie, 1616.⁂ "This volume is of great interest to ... the development of the idea of the divine right of kings and other Stuart constitutional problems. ... Typographically this is one of the finest specimens of Jacobean book-production" - Pforzheimer.

Charterhouse.- King Iames His Hospitall: Founded in the Charter-house, at the onely costs and charges, of Thomas Sutton, Esquire, first edition, second issue, title with woodcut decoration, woodcut initials and headpieces, title fore- and lower margins restored touching one letter and date, small rust hole to G2 affecting 1 letter, occasional light browning, nineteenth century vellum, gilt, by Riviere, Britwell Court copy with monogram of William Henry Miller to covers, light surface soiling to covers, [STC 5056.5], small 4to, for Thomas Thorpe, 1618.⁂ Rare, ESTC lists 2 copies only (not in BL). Provenance: William Henry Miller (1789-1848, gilt arms on cover "one of England's greatest book-collectors" - De Ricci, sold Sotheby's 29 March, 1927, lot 423).

Brooke (Ralph) A Catalogue and Succession of the Kings, Princes, Dukes, Marquesses, Earles, and Viscounts of this Realme of England, since the Norman Conquest, first edition, title within elaborated woodcut border, woodcut initials, head-pieces and numerous coats of arms, some occasional light marginal dampstaining and minor soiling, bound with the remains of a 16th century legal document mentioning 'James Brearley, a Citizen and Fishmonger of London', some splitting to joints, some wear to spine ends and corners, [STC 3832], folio, by William Jaggard, and sold at in house in Barbican, 1619.⁂ William Lowther, 1st Earl of Lonsdale (1757-1844, book-label).

Bacon (Sir Francis) The Historie of the Raigne of King Henry the Seventh, first edition, mixed issue, engraved portrait frontispiece by John Payne, title within engraved architectural border, woodcut initials and headpieces, with initial blank f., occasional spotting or minor marking, early ink inscriptions to endpapers, book label to pastedown, contemporary calf, covers initialled in gilt, corners and spine ends bumped and chipped, [Gibson 116b; STC 1160; Pforzheimer 32], folio, Printed by W. Stansby for Matthew Lownes, and William Barret, 1622.⁂ Provenance: E. Warre (ink inscription, "E. W." initials to covers); William Sanford; Jane Sanford (ink inscriptions); Charles M. Hutt (book label).

Gouge (William) Of domesticall duties eight treatises. I. An exposition of that part of Scripture out of which domesticall duties are raised. II. 1. A right coniunction of man and wife. 2. Common-mutuall duties betwixt man and wife. III. Particular duties of wiues. IV. Particular duties of husbands. V. Duties of children. VI. Duties of parents. VII. Duties of seruants. VIII. Duties of masters, first edition, title within double-rule border with typographic decoration, woodcut initials and headpieces, C3 & 4 transposed, occasional light browning, ink inscription to title and rear endpaper, contemporary calf, rebacked, initials "W. B." stamped in gilt on covers, corners repaired, [STC 12119], small 4to, by John Haviland for William Bladen, and are to be sold at the signe of the Bible neere the great north doore of Pauls, 1622.⁂ First edition of this popular conduct book that ran through a number of editions. Provenance: Edward Kynaston (contemporary ink inscriptions).

Aleman (Mateo) The Rogue: or The Life of Guzman De Alfarache, 2 parts in 1 vol., first edition in English, second issue, title with woodcut device, woodcut initials, head- and tail-pieces, title holed and rather frayed, without loss to text, 3E4 with long tear running into text, several other ff. with tears and tape repairs, creasing and fraying to first and last few ff., ink inscriptions to last few ff., occasional dampstaining, contemporary calf, gilt arms to covers, spine ends and corners repaired, g.e., [STC 289], folio, for Edward Blount, 1623.⁂ Rare first English translation of this popular Spanish romance. Provenance: Mary Young (ink inscription).

[Hexham (Henry)] A Tongue-Combat, lately happenings betweene two English Souldiers in the Tilt-boat of Gravesend, the one going to serve the King of Spaine, the other to serve the States Generall of the United Provinces. Wherein the Cause, Course, and Continuance of those Warres, is debated, and declared, first edition, title with typographic ornament, woodcut initials and headpiece, light soiling to title, A4 with chip and tear at head running into headline, G1 with lower corner torn away, not affecting text, some chipping or fraying to corners, occasional dampstaining to foot, but generally clean, ink inscription to head of title, later calf, neatly rebacked, [STC 13264.8], Printed at London [but ?Holland], 1623.⁂ Sometimes attributed to Thomas Scott. Includes early references to Florida, Virginia, the West Indies and Spanish cruelties to native peoples. Provenance: W. Woolcombe, C. C. C., Oxon, 1818 (ink inscription).

Xenophon. The Historie... Containing the Ascent of Cyrus into the Higher Countries. Wherein is Described the Admirable Journey of Ten Thousand Grecians from Asia into the Territories of Babylon... whereunto is added a Comparison of the Roman Manner of Warres with this of our Time, translated by John Bingham, first edition, title with woodcut decoration, woodcut initials and headpieces, title and text within double- and single- rule borders, lacking initial and final blank ff., small paper flaw to B3 affecting 1 or 2 letters of text, occasional markings to text in coloured inks, occasional light staining, contemporary vellum, lacking ties, soiled, [STC 26064], folio, by John Haviland for Raphe Mabb, 1623.⁂ Bingham's translation of Xenephon's Anabasis.

Witchcraft.- Cotta (John) The Infallible True and Assured Witch... Shewing the right and true methode of discoverie: with a confutation of erroneous waies, title with typographic decoration, woodcut initials and headpieces, lacking final errata f., title trimmed and inner and lower margins and laid down, ¶2 verso repaired without loss and with contemporary ink inscription to foot, occasional light foxing or soiling, mostly marginal, a few ff. shaved at head, touching headlines, 19th century calf, gilt, extremities a little rubbed, [STC 5837], small 4to, by J. L. for Richard Higgenbotham, and are to be sold at his shop at the signe of the Angel in Pauls Church-yard, 1624.⁂ The first issue of the second, enlarged edition of Cotta's famous The Triall of Witch-craft, first published in 1616.

Military.- Hugo (Herman) The Seige of Breda, translated by Captain Henry Gage, first edition in English, variant without colophon, engraved title, 15 engraved maps, plans and plates, some double-page, woodcut initials and decorations, G2 misbound after G3, G3 & 4 with marginal paper flaw, not affecting text, some creasing but a very good, clean copy generally, portion of front free endpaper torn away, bookplates to pastedown, contemporary limp vellum, lacking ties, [STC 13926a], folio, [Ghent], 1627.⁂ Scarce, Hugo (1588-1629) was a Jesuit and military chaplain, Gage (1597-1645) served with distinction during the siege. Provenance: Earl Fitzwilliam (bookplate and book label Milton Hall, Peterborough).

Marandé (Léonard de) The Judgment of Humane Actions. A most learned , & excellent treatise of morrall philosophie, which fights agaynst vanytie, & conduceth to the fyndinge out of true and perfect felicytie.... Englished by John Reynolds, first English edition, engraved pictorial title, woodcut initials and headpiece, text within rule border, lacking final blank f., title lower margin restored, final text f. with margins strengthened and 2 holes and short tear to text with loss to a few letters, occasional worming to foot with loss to a few letters of catchwords, closely shaved at head, ink ownership inscriptions to head of title, 18th century panelled calf, sympathetically rebacked and recornered, [STC 17298], by A. Mathewes for Nicholas Bourne, at ye Royall Exchange, 1629.⁂ Rare, we can trace not copy at auction since 1938.Provenance: Mary Conway (ink inscription).

[?Cleaver (Robert)] A Godly Forme of Houshold Government for the ordering of Private Families. According to the direction of God's Word... the severall duties of the Husband towards his Wife; and the Wives dutie towards her Husband...First, gathered by R.C. and now newly perused, amended, and augmented, by John Dod, and Robert Clever, woodcut initials and headpieces, with initial and final blank ff., light foxing and browning, ink ownership inscriptions to title and endpapers, front free endpapers detached, book-label to pastedown, contemporary calf, rebacked, retaining original backstrip, corners repaired, light wear to extremities, rubbed, small 8vo, by the assignes of Thomas Man, and are to be sold by Iohn Clarke, vnder St. Peters Church in Cornhill, 1630.⁂ Rare, in all editions, ESTC lists only 4 copies of this edition (not in BL). It was first published in 1598 and is variously attributed to Roger Carr, John Deacon and Robert Caudry.Provenance: J. Lowell (ink inscription); Arnold Muirhead (book-label).