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Click here to subscribeRand (Ayn) Atlas Shrugged, first edition, light tape marking to endpapers, original cloth, first state dust-jacket with 10/57 and price of $6.95 to front flap, slight chipping to spine tips, light rubbing and creasing to spine tips and corners, rubbing to extremities, but a bright and excellent example overall, 8vo, New York, 1957.
Gemology and jewellery.- Pouget (Jean Henri Prosper) Traité des Pierres Précieuses et de la maniere de les employer en Parure, 79 engraved plates by Mlle. Raimbeau, woodcut head- and tail-pieces, 1762; Nouveau Recueil de Parures de Joyaillerie, 79 engraved plates, number 72 with small tear at fore-margin, 1764, together 2 parts in 1, first editions, engraved pictorial titles, some spotting and minor soiling, later morocco-backed boards, rubbed, [Berlin Kat. 869 1&2; Cohen-de Ricci 819], 4to, Paris, the author and Taillard.⁂ Rare in commerce to find both parts bound together; we could trace no similar copies at auction. Published two years apart, the Nouveau Recueil expands Pouget's original Traité, which is widely recognised as one of the most important 18th century works on precious stones and their use in jewellery, royal and military orders etc.
Wood (Robert) Les Ruines de Balbec autrement dite Heliopolis dans la Coelosyrie, first French edition, 46 engraved plates by Fourdrinier and Major after Borra, some folding, plate 3 as one continuous plate not in 2 parts as often, occasional foxing, blue endpapers, contemporary French red morocco, gilt, g.e., slightly scuffed, folio, 1757.⁂ A superlative copy of the first French edition which appeared in the same year as the English.
Arnold (Thomas, headmaster and historian, 1795-1842) Long Autograph Letter signed to his close friend the Rev F.C. Blackstone, 4pp. and address panel, red wax seal, sm. 4to, Rugby, 28th September 1828, describing his impressions of Rugby a month after taking over the headmastership, "...I like it hitherto beyond my Expectation, but of Course a Month is a very short Time to judge from..."; he goes on to describe both his aspirations and what he has accomplished so far, as regards working with the sixth form, "...I am trying to establish something of a friendly Intercourse with the sixth Form, by asking them in Succession in Parties of four, in to Dinner with us; and I have them each separately up into my Room to look over their Exercises..."; the curriculum (which he sets out in detail), examinations, "...I am not done with my Alterations, nor probably ever shall have: I am going to have an Examination for every Form in the School at the [end] of the short half Year in all the Business done in the half Year - in Divinity, Greek & Latin, Arithmetic, History Geography & Chronology; -- with 1st & 2nd Classes, & Prize Books for those who do well..."; discipline, "...There has been no Flogging yet, and I hope that there will be none; and surprisingly few Irregularities; -- I chastise at first by very gentle Impositions, -- which are raised for a Repetition of Offences; -- flogging will be only my Ratio ultima, -- and talking I shall try to the utmost: I believe that Boys may be governed a great Deal by gentle Methods and Kindness, and appealing to their better Feelings, if you show that you are not afraid of them; -- I have seen great Boys six Feet high shed Tears when I have sent for them up into my Room and spoken to them quietly in private for not knowing their Lesson..."; he also sends news of his wife and their new baby; seal-tear affecting one word, very slight splits at folds, slightly browned.⁂ Thomas Arnold's first impressions as the new headmaster of Rugby school. Extracts of this letter were printed by his old pupil Dean Stanley in the Life and Letters, pp.242-3. "When Arnold took over the headmastership Rugby School was suffering from a general decline which was widespread in public schools at the beginning of the nineteenth century. Low moral standards, harsh discipline, and ossified teaching methods had shaken public confidence in them. Arnold proved himself a natural leader and, by the force of his ideals and personality, reinvigorated the school's systems. He established the principle of headmagisterial independence, restored confidence in the public school system generally, and confirmed Rugby's position as one of the leading schools." - Oxford DNB.
Dahl (Roald) The Gremlins from the Walt Disney Production, first English edition, signed presentation inscription from the author "To Charlies Love Roald Dahl" to half-title, colour and plain illustrations throughout, some cracking to hinges, original cloth-backed boards, toning to spine, wear to corners, some fading to lower cover, rubbed, 4to, [1944].⁂ Dahl's first published work, we have been unable to trace another example of a signed first English edition.
Lewis (C.S.) The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, first edition, illustrations by Pauline Baynes, small ink ownership inscription to endpaper, original cloth, light sunning to spine spine and covers with shadowing from jacket, dust-jacket, very light toning to spine, spine chipped at foot with loss affecting publisher's name, chipping to head, light surface soiling, a very good copy, 8vo, 1950.⁂ The first book in the Narnia series and one of the most celebrated Children's fantasy stories ever published, scarce in the dust-jacket.
Rushdie (Salman) Satanic Verses, first edition, signed by the author "Salman Rushdie, to Tolerance" on title, original boards, dust-jacket, light rubbing to spine tips and corners, 1988; The Satanic Verses, uncorrected proof, light marginal toning, publisher's letter enclosing proof loosely inserted, original wrappers, extremities rubbed, 1988, 8vo (2)⁂ Rushdie's celebrated exploration of the immigrant experience in Britain as well as the intersection of the Muslim and Hindu faiths. Scarce signed in such superb condition, here with Rushdie's defiant declaration against the attempts to silence him through the Fatwa and numerous assassination attempts.
Hunter (Dard) The Literature of Papermaking 1390-1800, first edition, one of 190 copies signed by the author, 24 tipped-in facsimile title-pages, illustrations, light offsetting, one or two leaves wrinkled from facsimile being poorly tipped to verso (as often), occasional light toning or spotting to facsimiles, loose as issued in original half cloth folder with ties, small ink mark to foot of upper joint, a couple other very small and faint marks, folio, Chillicothe, Ohio, [Mountain House Press], 1925.⁂ The second of Hunter's hand-made books devoted to the history and art of papermaking; he hand-printed the book on hand-made paper using type that he had designed and cast. Although the limitation in the book reads 190 copies, his autobiography (p.71) states that only 180 copies were produced. Halfway through the production, Hunter experienced a haemorrhage in his left eye from an earlier accident which reduced his sight to less than half normal vision.
Ishiguro (Kazuo) The Remains of the Day, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author dated 7th June 1989 on title, original boards, dust-jacket, very slight fading to spine, else fine, 1989; and a first edition of An Artist of the Floating World, 8vo (2)⁂ A superb copy of Ishiguro's Booker Prize winner signed and dated the month after publication.
Piranesi (Giovanni Battista).- Barbieri (Giovanni Francesco) Raccolta di Alcuni Disegni del Barberi da Cento detto Il Guercino, first edition, printed title in red and black with engraved vignette by Ottaviani, additional etched title by Piranesi with dedication to Thomas Jenkins, 32 etchings in black and sanguine on 28 sheets, including 23 after Guercino (12 by Bartolozzi, 2 by Nevay, 6 by Ottaviani, 2 by Piranesi and one double-page by Piroli), one large folding plate depicts Christ bearing the cross (torn at fold), occasional foxing and marginal soiling, contemporary half vellum over blue boards, covers foxed, a couple of tears to spine, [Hind p.86; cf. Berlin Kat 1878; Wilton-Ely 1015-1018], large folio, Rome, Giovanni Generoso Salomoni, 1764.⁂ Rare collection of plates seemingly conceived by Piranesi in 1764 when he purchased twelve etchings after Guercino from Francesco Bartolozzi, who left for London that year. Before publication, Piranesi added several additional plates, including his own work. At least one of the original Guercino drawings after which these plates were designed was from Piranesi's own collection, whilst the depiction of the old man asleep which is reproduced on the additional title-page belonged to the sculptor Cavaceppi. Wilson-Ely notes: "the group is particularly notable for Piranesi's attempt to reproduce the pictorial quality of Guercino's brush drawings by applying two coloured inks, red and black, simultaneously to the copper plate".
Blindness.- Moon (William) Moon's improved system of reading for the use of the blind, bifolium, letterpress and embossed alphabets to first page, wood-engraved vignette, list of available works, lightly browned, 145 x 179mm., [?Brighton], [c.1850]; Moon's simplified alphabet for the blind, single sheet, printed recto only with letterpress and embossed alphabets, lightly browned, 165 x 290mm., Brighton, Printed at Wm. Moon's Establishment, 104, Queen's Road, [c.1855] (2) ⁂ Both unrecorded. Moon (1818-1894) became completely blind by the age of 21. He taught boys how to read using the existing embossed reading codes. He soon realised that these were difficult to learn, and so devised a new system based on a simplified Latin alphabet. His 'Moon type' was first published in 1845. It was subsequently replaced in popularity by Braille, but it is still important for people who have difficulty reading Braille.
Milne (A. A.) When We Were Very Young, first edition, first state without roman numeral on contents p., illustrations by E.H. Shepard, light browning to endpapers, original pictorial cloth, slight shelf-lean, slight toning to spine, light bumping to spine tips and corners, dust-jacket priced at 7/6, spine browned, spine ends and corners a little chipped touching spine lettering at head, a few nicks or short closed tears to head and foot of lower panel, light marking and surface soiling to panels, extremities a little rubbed, an excellent example overall, 8vo, 1924.
Dahl (Roald) Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, first edition, first issue with the six line colophon, fifth line reading "Paper manufactured by S. D. Warren and Co.", cut signature of the author to endpaper, illustrations by Joseph Schindelman, original blind-stamped cloth, dust-jacket with no ISBN number to rear panel, neat and expert repairs and restorations to spine ends and corners, neat retouching to spine, in effect a near-fine example, 8vo, New York, [1964].
Medicine.- Hodgkin (Thomas) "On Some Morbid Appearances of the Absorbent Glands and Spleen", in Medico-Chirurgical Transactions, vol. 17, pp. 68-114, half-title (detached and chipped), plates, first gathering detached, others working loose, British Medical Library ink stamp to title and half-title, covers detached, lacking spine, rubbed, 8vo, 1832.⁂ The first description of Hodgkin's Disease, an important milestone in oncology. Hodgkin was at the time lecturer of morbid anatomy at Guy's Hospital and curator of its museum. The present paper went unheralded at the time (including by Hodgkin himself) but it proved crucial in assisting Samuel Wilks' own studies of the disease which he ultimately named Hodgkin's Disease in honour of the work of his predecessor.
Rowling (J.K.) Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, first paperback edition, with "Joanne Rowling", no space between "Taylor" and "1997" and full 10 to 1 number line on title verso, "wand" listed twice on p.53, light soiling to margins of first and last few pages, otherwise clean internally, original pictorial wrappers with misprint "Philospher's" to lower cover, nicks to edges with laminate very slightly peeling away, still an excellent example overall, [Errington A1(aa)], 8vo, 1997.
Paton (Alan) Cry, the Beloved Country. A Story of Comfort in Desolation, first edition, signed by the author on endpaper along with contemporary ink ownership inscription "A. J. Sowden, Supt. Mbuluzi Lepter Hospital", original cloth, slight toning to spine, slight shelf-lean, minor fraying to foot of spine, dust-jacket, toning to spine, spine ends a little chipped, light rubbing to corner tips, slight toning to panels with the odd nick to head or foot, but an excellent example overall, 8vo, 1948.⁂ Paton's searing indictment of South African society, published on the eve of the South African government formally institutionalising apartheid, one of the best-known and most acclaimed works in South African literature. Rare signed.
Fleece Press.- Buckland Wright (John) Surreal Times: The Abstract Engravings and Wartime Letters..., number 23 of 44 specially-bound copies signed by Christopher Buckland Wright with an additional copper engraving 'Nymphe Surprise No.II, from an edition limited to 266, original vellum-backed JBW patterned-paper, slip-case, 2000; Endeavours & Experiments...Essays in Woodcut and Colour Engraving, number 20 of 90 copies signed by Christopher Buckland Wright with an additional wood-engraving 'Cafe Dansant No,2', from an edition limited to 300, original vellum-backed patterned-paper boards, original cloth drop-back box, 2004; Sensuous Lines: A Catalogue Raisonné of the Intaglio Prints..., one of 40 specially-bound copies with 5 original engravings, from an edition limited to 366, one engraving tipped in as frontispiece, errata slip mounted on front pastedown, original vellum-backed marbled boards, the other engravings loose as issued in card folder, together in original cloth drop-back box, 2014; Bathers and Dancers, one of 180 copies from an edition limited to 206, original vellum-backed Japanese wood veneer boards, slip-case, 1993; Baigneuses, one of 240 copies, original vellum-backed marbled boards, original cloth drop-back box, 1995; To Beauty...Work with Joseph Ishill of the Oriole Press, one of 246 copies, original cloth-backed Venetian marbled paper, original cloth drop-back box, 2006 § Buckland Wright (Christopher, editor) The Engravings of John Buckland Wright, number 50 of 150 copies signed by the editor and with an additional wood-engraving on Gampi vellum paper, illustrations, original cloth, dust-jacket, Aldershot, 1990, the first six with illustrations, many tipped in, a few colour, some with prospectuses, invoices, notices from the press etc. loosely inserted, most uncut, Denby Dale, Wakefield or Upper Denby, Fleece Press; and c.15 others by, illustrated by or about Buckland Wright, some catalogues, v.s. (c.20)⁂ A complete set of the press's works devoted to John Buckland Wright, including 3 in the special edition, with many of the engravings printed from the original blocks left in the artist's studio at his death. Several copies of Bathers & Dancers were damaged in binding so in fact only 164 copies of the standard edition were issued.
Dahl (Roald) Rhyme Stew, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author to front free endpaper (inscription offset onto front pastedown and front flap), illustrations by Quentin Blake, original boards, dust-jacket, very small patch of staining to lower cover upper corner, very small patch of surface wear to upper panel, near-fine otherwise, 4to, 1989.
Dahl (Roald) Revolting Rhymes, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author "Charles Love Roald Dahl" to endpaper, illustrations by Quentin Blake, original pictorial boards, very light toning to spine, else fine, 4to, 1982.⁂ Rare signed, we can trace no examples at auction.
[James (Sir Henry, photographer & editor)] [Domesday Book or Great Survey of England of William the Conqueror], 2 vol. comprising Great Domesday & Little Domesday, first facsimile edition, printed in red and black, short tear to fore-edge of first leaf of Great Domesday, original reversed calf, red edges, preserved in modern red cloth drop-back boxes, spines gilt with black labels, 4to (Great Domesday slightly larger), [Southampton, Ordnance Survey], [1862].⁂ Rare complete facsimile of the Domesday Book reproduced using the new process of photozincography invented by Sir Henry James. The work was transported to Southampton where it was taken apart and photographed, with the results being offered as individual county sections with introductory notes. This copy is one of only a small number with all the sections, apart from the introductions, bound together in a replica binding of the book at the time.
Forster (E.M.) A Passage to India, first trade edition, internally clean, original cloth, spine lightly dulled, otherwise fine, dust-jacket, neat and expert restoration to edges and joints, tear across upper panel neatly repaired, still in effect a very crisp and tight copy, [Kirkpatrick A10a], 8vo, 1924.
Gillray (James) The first kiss this ten years! - or - the meeting of Britannia & Citizen François, etching and aquatint with original hand-colouring, on wove paper without watermark, sheet 353 x 254 mm (13 7/8 x 10 in), trimmed to or just within the platemark, sympathetically remargined, minor toning, unframed, Hannah Humphrey, 1803Literature:BM Satires 9960⁂ Satire on Anglo-French relations with a fat good-natured Britannia receiving a big kiss from a lean French military officer, with oval bust portraits of Napoleon and George III above.
Forster (E.M.) Howard's End, first edition, first issue with "A Stepson of the Soil" featured on last page of advertisements, 4pp. advertisements at end, very light foxing to fore-edge, some straying to margins, bookseller's sticker to pastedown, original cloth, spine ends lightly bumped, fading strip along upper edge of lower panel, overall an excellent and brightly gilt example, [Kirkpatrick A4a], 8vo, 1910.
Briseux (Charles-Etienne) Traité du Beau essentiel dans les Arts, appliqué particulierement à l'Architecture..., 2 vol., first edition, engraved throughout with portrait, 2 titles within decorative borders, text with decorations, 138 plates (some double-page or folding) including pictorial divisional titles, and privilege leaf at end of vol.2, some light spotting or staining, contemporary half calf, spines richly gilt, rubbed, [Berlin Kat. 2403; Fowler 69; Millard, French 42], 4to, Paris, the author & Chereau, 1752.⁂ Featuring charming rococo decorative borders, head & tail-pieces, and ornaments. "A fine example of an entirely engraved book". (Fowler).
Law.- [Rastell (John)] An Exposition of Certaine difficult and obscure words, and Termes of the Lawes of this Realme, title with small hole at gutter and no loss, front free endpaper with tears and small loss to fore-edge, lacking final endpapers, tiny marginal worming from V5 to end, light dust-soiling to first and last ff., weak lower joint, bookplates, contemporary limp vellum, title in manuscript to spine, lacking ties, rubbed and worn, [STC 20715], small 8vo, [by Adam Islip] for the Company of Stationers, 1615.⁂ Provenance: Bookplate of Edward Jackson Barron. Bookplate of the Los Angeles Law Library.
Le Carré (John) The Looking-Glass War, first edition, signed by the author on title, original boards, slight bumping to spine tips, dust-jacket, light rubbing to spine tips and corners, some lifting to laminate along lower joint, else fine, 8vo, 1965.⁂ The author's fourth novel, difficult to find in the present condition with the spine entirely unfaded.
*** Please note the description of this lot has changed.Smith (Col. Robert, of the Bengal Engineers, artist, architect and engineer, 1787-1873) Two views of Government House, Barrackpore, near Calcutta, two works, brush and ink, traces of pencil under-drawing, each image approx. 315 x 565 mm (12 3/8 x 22 1/4 in), both laid onto contemporary mounts with ruled ink and wash borders, hinged into mounts, both inscribed 'Calcutta' verso, unframed, [circa 1800 or slightly later] (2)Provenance:From the Collection of the Late W.G. and Mildred Archer; thence by descent.*** We are very grateful to Chares Greig for suggesting the correct attribution for the two works to the artist Colonel Robert Smith (1787-1873) after first-hand inspection.
Gibbon (Edward) The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 6 vol., first edition, first issue of vol.1 with errata uncorrected, [one of 500 copies], half-titles (that in vol. 1 a tipped-in later facsimile), 3 folding engraved maps, engraved portrait frontispiece after Reynolds and vol. 1 *a4-*b2 (Contents) bound in vol. 2, vol. 1 with later engraved portrait laid down as frontispiece, with all cancels and errata as called for, engraved bookplate, later ink ownership name S. de Giles to rear pastedowns, first map with tiny tear to fore-edge without loss, offsetting, some light browning and scattered spotting, a little heavier at points, the odd small stain or light soiling, vol. 1 front free endpaper renewed with old paper, hinges neatly repaired, contemporary mottled calf, spines gilt and with red morocco labels, highly skilful repairs to spine ends and joints, a little rubbed and scratched, still a handsome set, [Rothschild 948; PMM 222], 4to, for W. Strahan and T. Cadell, 1776-88.⁂ One of the world's great historical works, rare with volume one in first state. 500 further copies were quickly printed as the work sold out in a few days. In this set, the frontispiece and Contents to the first volume seemingly always bound in the second. "This masterpiece of historical penetration and literary style has remained one of the ageless historical works...Gibbon brought a width of vision and a critical mastery of the available sources which have not been equalled to this day; and the result was clothed in inimitable prose" (PMM).
Dahl (Roald) Kiss Kiss, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author to endpaper, original cloth, light sunning to spine, some foxing to covers, dust-jacket, light toning to spine, light cockling to upper panel, internal tear to spine with tape repair to verso, minor chipping to spine tips and corners, in effect a very good copy, 8vo, New York, 1960.
Livius (Titus) The Romane Historie Written by T. Livius of Padua, translated by Philemon Holland, first edition in English, large woodcut device on title and portrait of Queen Elizabeth I on verso, portrait of Livy on verso of A4, numerous woodcut initials, lacks last f. (blank), slight brown stain in margin of title, 3F6 and 5X6 small tear in lower margin, 17th century ink signature of Robert Gregge on title, bookplate of Sir Joseph Radcliffe Bart on front pastedown, later endpapers, contemporary calf, gilt centrepieces of arabesque design with initials WRE and single line gilt borders on both covers, slightly rubbed, brass clasps, rebacked, [STC 16613; Pforzheimer 495.], folio, Printed by Adam Islip, 1600.⁂ A good, clean copy of the first edition in English of Livy's Roman History translated by Philemon Holland. "Holland's first book, the first complete rendering of Livy into English, was published in 1600 when he was nearly fifty. It was a work of great importance, presented in a grand folio volume of 1458 pages, and dedicated to the queen. The translation set out to be lucid and unpretentious, and achieved its aim with marked success. It is accurate, and often lively, and although it does not attempt to imitate the terseness of Latin, it avoids prolixity." - Oxford DNB.
Brown (Dee) Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author "For Jamake Highwater - in admiration for your literary skills and your wondrous perception of the arts of your people - sincerely Dee Brown" to endpaper, illustrations, numerous ink markings and occasional notes by Highwater to margins, upper hinge weak, original cloth, slight fraying to spine tips and corners, dust-jacket, light sunning to spine spine ends and corners creased and chipping a few short closed tears to head and foot with light creasing, 8vo, New York, 1970.⁂ A fascinating association copy of this important history of Native American life, inscribed to the author Jamake Highwater.Jamake Highwater (born Jackie Marks, 1931-2001) was of Eastern European Jewish ancestry but would mispresent himself as Cherokee for much of his life, even after his exposure as an imposter by two journalists in 1984.
Dahl (Roald) The Enormous Crocodile, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author "Charles Love Roald Dahl" to endpaper, illustrations by Quentin Blake, original glazed boards, very light toning to spine, else fine, 4to, 1978.⁂ Dahl's first picture book and the first of his works to be illustrated by Quentin Blake. We can trace no other signed example at auction.
Mantel (Hilary) Wolf Hall, 2009; Bring Up the Bodies, 2012, first edition, signed by the author on titles, original boards, dust-jackets, light creasing to head and foot, "signed" price sticker to upper panels, else fine, 8vo (2)⁂ The first two books in Mantel's Thomas Cromwell trilogy, both winners of the Booker Prize.
Columbus (Christopher).- Psalterium, Hebraeum, Graecum, Arabicum, & Chaldaeum, cum tribus latinis interpretationibus & glossis, collation: A10 B-Z8 &8 Ɔ6, title printed in red and black in five languages within fine decorative woodcut strapwork border, woodcut initials and printer's device on final colophon leaf, A4v and A5r printed in red and black, edited and with Latin commentary by Agostino Giustiniani, text printed in 8 columns across double pages in Hebrew, (literal) Latin translation from the Hebrew, Latin Vulgate, Greek Septuagint, Arabic, Chaldee or Aramaic Targum, literal Latin translation from the Chaldee, some damp-staining causing edges to be brittle, a few repairs, some worming, mostly marginal but occasionally into text block, piece cut away from lower margin of title and repaired, later blind-stamped calf, rebacked and recased, rubbed, folio (330 x 227mm.), Genoa, Petrus Paulus Porrus for Nicolai Justiniani Pauli, 1516.⁂ The first Polyglot Psalter and only the second book printed to use Arabic type, with biographical details of Christopher Columbus. "A monument of Renaissance typography, this Psalter was linguistically the most ambitious work attempted to date, and the first Polyglot work ever published. It provides the Psalms in five languages as well as a marginal scholarship based largely on rabbinic sources. The Arabic text is one of the first two texts and the first biblical text, ever printed in this language. The Hebrew types used in this book were apparently never used again." (B. Sabin Hill, Hebraica from the Valmadonna Trust, The Piermont Morgan Library (1989) no. 18).Perhaps the most interesting feature of Giustiniani's Polyglot Psalter is the lengthy scholium to Psalm xix, verse 4: "et in fines mundi verba eorum" (and their words to the ends of the world). The learned author presents a long note dealing with the life and the explorations of Christopher Columbus, who had died only ten years before the publication of the Psalter. This is, apart from the letters and journals of Columbus himself, on which it is based, the first biography of the discoverer of America. We may speculate that Giustiniani's inclusion of this material arose out of his Genoese patriotism as much as out of his clerical sense of the Providential character of Columbus's voyages in realising the implicit prophecy of the text. Except for the first sentence of the scholium, there is no further reference to God, divine Providence, or the Christian Church; Giustiniani becomes completely absorbed in relating the adventures of Columbus. He even finishes on the rather pagan note, not unusual in the Renaissance, that if Columbus had lived in ancient Greece, he would have been deified at his death.Literature: Adams B1370; Darlow & Moule 1411; Vinograd, Genoa 1.
18th Century novel by two sisters.- [Gunning (Susannah) and Margaret Minifie]. "The Miss Minifies". The Picture: A Novel, 3 vol., first edition, woodcut head-pieces, occasional light foxing, small contemporary ink ownership inscriptions to front free endpapers, contemporary speckled calf, edges very lightly rubbed, heavier to joints and extremities, but still overall a very crisp set, 8vo, printed for the authors, sold by J. Johnson and co., 1766.⁂ Rare eighteenth-century novel by sisters Susannah Gunning, née Minifie and her sister Margaret. Very scarce first edition, with seemingly only one other copy sold at auction, in 1930.
Scottish binding.- Ramsay (Allan) Poems, 2 vol. in 1, first editions, engraved portrait frontispiece to vol. 1, list of subscribers, ex-library copy with ink stamp on title, lacks advertisement leaf at end of vol. I and several ff. of index at end, vol. I K2, 2M2 and vol. II T2, X2, 2O1-4 all torn with loss, extensively foxed and browned, numerous ink marks, ink name of "Allan Ramsay" on title and inscriptions on verso, engraved bookplate of John Scott of Harden (a descendant of Mary Scott, the Flower of Yarrow and the subject of a poem by Ramsay), on front pastedown, 18th century calf with central onlay panel with gilt oval swag, key and floral borders and thistle decoration in corners, by James and William Scott binders of Edinburgh, rubbed, some surface wear affecting gilt, corners and edges repaired, rebacked in modern calf, gilt, 4to, Edinburgh, by Thomas Ruddiman, for the Author, 1721-1728.⁂ A fascinating copy with intriguing history. As well as their great-grandmother Mary (the subject of one of Ramsay's poems), the Scotts of Harden also had a daughter, Mary Lilias Scott, who Sir Walter Scott and others also considered to be another 'Flower of Yarrow'. Furthermore Allan Ramsay's son (also confusingly called Allan) courted and painted this Mary. At some point in the late 18th century this copy of the Poems was considered of such significance that it was sent to the finest Edinburgh binders of the day (James and William Scott) to create this opulent example of their work. It is unclear whether the name on the title, now quite faded, is in the hand of the poet, his son or another unknown person. On the title verso is a fragment of verse from the later Ramsay Tea Table Miscellany, which varies slightly from the published version. This curious copy was subsequently in the collection of Valentine Mann (late 19th century), who bequeathed it to the museum he established, The Valentine, from where it was de-accessed recently by auction.
Nielsen (Kay) East of the Sun and West of the Moon, first edition, 25 tipped-in colour plates, with captioned tissue guards, black and white illustrations, 2 text ff. and 1 plate stained, otherwise some marginal browning, modern navy morocco, spine gilt, with original cloth upper cover and spine bound-in (laid down to sheet) at rear, t.e.g., 4to, [1914].
Law.- Bracton (Henry de) De Legibus & consuetudinibus Angliæ Libri, first edition, historiated initials, title with small loss to upper corner, previous owner's ink inscriptions to front free endpaper & title, front free endpaper with small chipping and loss to edges, neatly restored, occasional ink and pencil marginal notes in various hands, scattered spotting, modern calf, [STC 3475], folio, Richard Tottell, 1569.⁂ Divided into five books, each subdivided into chapters with subheadings whose contents are listed in detail in the extensive index in order of appearance, Bracton's 'De Legibus', completed in the 1250s, occupies a unique position in the history of the common law. It is the first attempt to treat the whole extent of English law in a manner both systematic and practical, it constitutes the first modern English law book and it is the outstanding legal work of any English writer of the Middle Ages.
Early report on the Holocaust.- Mass Extermination of Jews in German Occupied Poland (The), original printed stapled wrappers, some very light rust-staining, but an excellent copy generally, 8vo, Hutchinson, for the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, [1943].⁂ The first official announcement of the Final Solution, the systematic mass-murder of Jews by the Nazis, which led to the Holocaust. The pamphlet is based on reports filed by Jan Karski, a Polish secret agent who operated in Nazi-occupied Poland. From 1940 to 1942, Karski witnessed the extermination of Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto, the Belzec death camp and in other locales, and reported back to the exiled Polish Government in London. The pamphlet also contains the full text of "Raczynski's Note", a letter by Edward Raczynski, Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs, delivered to the 26 government signatories of the Declaration by United Nations on 10th December 1942, introducing the reality of the Holocaust to the world.
Shakespeare (William).- Allott (Robert) Englands Parnassus: or The choysest Flowers of our Moderne Poets, with their Poeticall comparisons, first edition, woodcut device on title, woodcut decorations, lacks signature Q (8ff., pp.225-240), also lacking initial 2 and final blank leaves, final text leaf Kk7 with hole affecting a few words of text, occasional foxing and soiling, some early ink annotations, later vellum with red morocco spine label, [STC 378; Pforzheimer 358 (state A), Grolier, Langland to Wither 3], 8vo, N[icholas] L[ing], C[uthbert] B[urby] and T[homas] H[ayes], 1600.⁂ Important early anthology of English poetry with numerous references to Shakespeare as well as his contemporaries such as Ben Jonson, Christopher Marlowe, Edmund Spenser, Michael Drayton etc. Pforzheimer's state A of the preliminaries with publishers' names in title imprint indicated only by their initials, dedication leaf (A4) uncancelled, and with dedicatory poem signed 'R.A.'Provenance: Rebecah ?Wilthen (ink name at foot of Kk7); early ink inscription on A8v "inquire for one Henry Lunn a shoomaker in Fareham"; another inscription at foot of P8v (ie before the missing gathering) "Hiatus deplorabilis".
Milne (A. A.) Now We Are Six, first edition, illustrated throughout by E.H. Shepard, half-title very lightly browned, original publisher's deluxe green limp roan with decorative gilt to cover and spine, a couple of very light scuffs to lower cover, g.e., housed within publisher's original card box with printed paper labels to upper and side, two corners neatly split, a little toned, 8vo, 1927.
Lee (Laurie) Cider With Rosie, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author "To darling Rosamond [Lehmann] with love as always from Laurie 6.11.59" on half-title, original boards, dust-jacket, short nick to head of upper joint, light creasing to spine tips, some slight rubbing to extremities, small surface abrasion to front flap, original publisher's wraparound band, a near-fine copy, 8vo, 1959.⁂ A lovely association copy of the author's most treasured work, inscribed to Lee's good friend and fellow author Rosamond Lehmann.
Terence. Terence in English. Fabulae comici facetissimi et elegantissimi poetæ Terentii omnes Anglicæ factae primúmque hac noua forma nunc editæ, translated by Richard Bernard, first complete edition in English, text in Latin and English, title with woodcut ornament, woodcut head- and tail-pieces and decorative initials, occasional contemporary ink marginalia, Y1 with very short tear at foot, with loss of 1 letter recto and verso without loss of sense, 2D4 short tear at foot within text without loss, closely trimmed at head, occasionally affecting a headline, water-stained, some spotting and staining, including a little red ink to last few ff., 17th century printed f. used as rear endpaper, lacking pastedowns, contemporary blind-ruled calf, neatly rebacked, preserving original slightly worn and creased backstrip, some water-staining, rubbed and marked, [STC 23890], small 4to, Cambridge, John Legat, 1598.⁂ Rare copy of the first complete edition in English of Terence's comedies. The translator Bernard (1568-1641) was an English puritan clergyman and writer. When he held a parish post at Worksop he knew John Robinson (pastor of the 'Pilgrim Fathers' before they left on the Mayflower) and William Brewster (a passenger on the Mayflower, who became a senior elder of the Plymouth Colony). Bernard's daughter married Roger Williams, co-founder of the state of Rhode Island. Provenance: Thomas Davies, 1688 (ink signatures).
West Indies.- Edwards (Bryan) History, Civil and Commercial, of the British Colonies in the West Indies, 3 vol., vol. 1-2 second edition, vol. 3 first edition, without half-titles, 22 engraved maps and plates, several folding, a couple with small holes or paper repairs at folds, ink ownership inscription to front endpapers, vol. 3 title browned and some marginal browning to plates, some spotting (mainly to vol. 1), contemporary diced russia, gilt, rebacked, corners a little rubbed, g.e., [Sabin 21901], large 4to, for John Stockdale, 1794-1801.
Annotated.- Platina (Bartholomaeus Sacchi) Vitae Pontificum, double column, collation: [a10 b-r6 s8 t6 v8], 128 ff., 54-56 lines, Gothic type, initial spaces, extensive contemporary and 16th century scholarly marginalia in at least two Germanic hands (some trimmed), detailed 16th century manuscript index to verso of a2 and recto of following inserted blank, erroneous early ink pagination, extensive bibliographical notes of a J. Niefert, 1807 to front free endpapers, first f. trimmed to text and laid down, f. "70" a few mostly small holes (1 larger) with loss of text, some light water-staining, spotting and staining, lightly browned, 18th century polished calf, richly gilt spine in compartments and with chipped black morocco label, rubbed and marked, folio (308 x 200mm.), Nuremberg, Anton Koberger, 11 August, 1481.⁂ A wide-margined copy. First published in 1479, the Vitae is the first systematic history of the popes. Sacchi was appointed as Vatican librarian by Sixtus IV in 1475, shortly after the publication of his important cookbook De honesta voluptate et valetudine. Provenance: 'S-C' (early red ink monogram to foot of first f.); J. Niefert (19th century notes to front endpapers). Literature: BMC II, 420; Goff P-769; GW M33881; HC 13047; Bod-inc P-343; BSB-Ink P-566; ISTC ip00769000.
Beardsley (Aubrey).- Marillier (H.C., editor) The Early Work of Aubrey Beardsley, 1899 § The Later Work of Aubrey Beardsley, 1901 § Hind (C.Lewis, editor) The Uncollected Work of Aubrey Beardsley, 1925, together 3 vol., first editions, frontispieces and plates, captioned tissue guards, the first two with bookplate of Erik Asklund (the first with presentation signatures to him on half-title) and with new endpapers, original decorated cream buckram, uncut, a little rubbed and soiled, vol.2 & 3 with small stains to upper covers, still a good set, 4to (3)
Dickens (Charles) A Christmas Carol. In Prose. Being a Ghost Story of Christmas, first edition, first impression, first issue with "Stave I" heading to first chapter and text entirely in uncorrected state, half-title in blue, title printed in red and blue, 4 hand-coloured etched plates by & after Leech and 4 plain woodcut vignettes by Linton after Leech, 2 plates with slight offsetting, but a remarkably clean and bright copy generally, green endpaper, neat ink ownership inscription "Sarah Greenwood, January 1st 1844" to front free endpaper, original first issue brown fine-ribbed cloth, with unbroken 'D' within wreath and minimum 14mm gap between blind border and gilt cartouche, spine lettered and decorated in gilt, g.e., slight shelf-lean, slight sunning to spine, minor chipping to head of spine, very small dent to head of upper cover, a few small marks to covers, but a crisp, near-fine example overall, preserved in attractive custom hinged morocco box by Riviere & Sons, [Eckel pp.110-115; Smith II, 4; William B. Todd, in The Book Collector, Winter 1961, pp.449-454], 8vo, Chapman & Hall, 1843.⁂ A superb, bright copy of Dickens' classic Christmas tale, rare in such condition. A Christmas Carol is one of Dickens' most important literary creations adapted numerous times, it has become a part of a collective seasonal mythology.
Dahl (Roald) Someone Like You, first edition, signed by the author on title, original cloth, dust-jacket, light sunning to spine, slight toning to foot of panels, else fine, 8vo, New York, 1953.⁂ Dahl's second short story collection, rare flat signed in this manner and in such good condition.
Grub Street recluse.- Welby (Henry) [or Thomas Heywood]. The Phoenix of these late times: Or the Life of Mr. Henry Welby, Esq, first edition, engraved frontispiece, trimmed to or just inside the platemark and laid down, trimmed close to headline and touching odd letter, B4 with small loss to head affecting headline, tiny marginal worming (C4 to end), title and B4 with small loss to corners and expert restoration, scattered spotting and soiling, blue morocco by Ramage, g.e., richly gilt spine, gilt inner dentelles, [STC 25227], small 4to, by N. Okes, and are to be sold by Richard Clotterbuck, 1637.⁂ A scarce account of the recluse Welby, one of Grub Street's early residents. He was the owner of the estate of Goxhill in Lincolnshire. In 1592 his half-brother attempted to shoot him with a pistol. Shocked, he took a house on Grub Street and remained there, in near-total seclusion, for the rest of his life. He died in 1636 and was buried at St. Giles in Cripplegate.
Camus (Albert) The Outsider, translated by Stuart Gilbert, Introduction by Cyril Connolly, first English edition, original cloth, light sunning to spine and portion of lower cover, dust-jacket by Edward Bawden, faint spotting, very light surface soiling to lower panel, light rubbing and faint creasing to spine tips and corners, a fine copy, 8vo, 1946.⁂ A superb example, rare in such condition.
Newton (Isaac) Opticks: or, a Treatise of the Reflexions, Refractions, Inflexions and Colours of Light, first edition, title in red and black, 19 engraved folding plates, one with ink signature dated 1756 and trimmed lacking fig. 1, lacking 2K3 (text ff.), water-staining to fore-edges and occasional light ink stains, scattered spotting, tender edges toward end, marginal worming to final plate and final endpapers, contemporary calf, rebacked, bumping and loss to corners, a little rubbed, [Wallis 174], 4to, for Sam. Smith. and Benj. Walford, printers to the Royal Society, 1704.⁂ The first edition of Newton's mathematical and experimental investigations into the nature of light and colour, considered to be one of the three major works on Optics, alongside works by Kepler and Huygen.
Quakers.- John Whiting's copy.- Barclay (Robert) An apology for the true Christian divinity, as the same is held forth and preached by the people called, in scorn, Quakers, John Whiting's copy with his autograph marginalia and a long note, X1 lower corner torn away with loss of text, occasional minor worming within text, occasional spotting, lightly browned, contemporary speckled calf, rather worn, but holding firm, [Smith, Descriptive catalogue of Friends' books, I, p.180; Wing B720], small 4to, [?Aberdeen], 1678.⁂ Provenance: John Whiting (1656-1722), prominent Quaker, imprisioned from about 1679 to 1685 for refusing to pay tithes (his marginalia on p.231 highlights a passage 'Concerning Tythes'). His 'Catalogue of Friends' Books' (London, 1708) was the first attempt at a Quaker bibliography (ink signature dated 1680 to title and signed note on p.412).
West Indies.- Sloane (Sir Hans) A Voyage to the Islands Madera, Barbados, Nieves, S. Christophers and Jamaica, with the Natural History ..., 2 vol., first edition, vol. 2 only, presentation copy from the author, titles in red and black, 285 engraved folding or double-page plates and maps, some trimmed to platemark, plate 37 with torn corner and old expert repair with associated browning, text and plates mounted on stubs, vol. 2 lacking 6B2 (?blank), occasional faint marginal spotting, bookplates, vol. 1 later panelled calf, small splits to spine head, a little rubbed, vol. 2 contemporary calf, rebacked retaining original backstrip, rubbed, slight bumping to corners and extremities, [Sabin 82169; Hunt 417], folio, by B.M. for the Author, 1707-25.⁂ First edition of the first published descriptions and illustrations of Jamaican flora and fauna, Sloane's most important work. Presentation copies are rare, we can trace only one other at auction (sold Christies, 2015).The inscription here reads: "E dono Hans Sloane Baronetti M.D. F.R.S. viri in omni Doctrinâ specteti primis et in me per quam amicissimi: 1725."Provenance: Bookplates of Thomas Isted; Ambrose Isted and; Colonel Sir Harold Mitchell.
Tolkien (J.R.R.) The Lord of the Rings, first India paper edition, signed by the author on front free endpaper verso, illustrations, 2 folding maps, ink gift inscription dated Christmas 1969 to head of endpaper verso, original cloth decorated in gilt, silver and green, spine lettered in gilt, spine faded, some light spotting, slip-case (bumped at head, extremities rubbed and scuffed), 8vo, 1969.⁂ Provenance: signed by Tolkien during a visit to Allen and Unwin publisher's on the publication of the present edition.
Ireland.- Davies (Sir John) A Discoverie of the True Causes why Ireland was never entirely Subdued, nor brought under Obedience of the Crowne of England, untill the Beginning of his Majesties happie Raigne, first edition, woodcut decoration and device on title, dedication leaf within typographic border, lacking A1 (blank except for signature), some marginal browning, contemporary calf, rebacked, corners slightly rubbed, [STC 6348], 4to, Printed for John Jaggard, 1612.⁂ Important work on Anglo-Irish relations. Davies (1570-1652) was an eminent poet, lawyer and political writer. In 1603 he was sent to Ireland as solicitor-general and soon was promoted to Attorney-general and one of the justices of assizes. This work was the result of a judicial circuit round Ireland and on his return to England he wrote an account to the King. He was appointed Lord Chief Justice of England but died shortly afterwards.Provenance: Nico. Atkinson (ink name at head of title).
Dickens (Charles) The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club, 3 vol., first edition in book form, engraved frontispiece, additional title, and 41 plates by R. Seymour and H. K. Browne, extra-illustrated with 29 duplicate plates by the same artists in different states and issues, the 2 suppressed plates by Buss, 72 watercolour plates of Pickwickian characters by Joseph Clayton Clarke ["Kyd"], 32 contemporary plates by Thomas Onwhyn, title-page and 12 hand-coloured plates by Onwhyn first published in 1894, and a portrait of Dickens, vol. 2 with one blue upper wrapper from the issue in parts bound near start, early 20th century bibliographical notes in pencil to some plate margins, occasional light foxing, handsome Cosway-style binding of emerald green crushed morocco by Sangorski & Sutcliffe, fine miniature of the young Dickens painted on vellum under glass, surrounded by a fine brass rim and decorative border of small gilt and blind-stamped tools inset into the front tan morocco doublure of vol. 1, covers decorated with border of triple gilt fillet, front covers with a central red morocco inlay gilt-stamped with Dickens's crest of lion couchant, spine in six compartments with five raised bands, three lettered in gilt, the others decorated in gilt with small floral and volute tools, green morocco turn-ins decorated with gilt borders, five cinnamon silk moiré doublures each stamped in gilt with a facsimile of Dickens's signature, cinnamon silk moiré endpapers, t.e.g., very faint scratch to vol. 1 upper cover, preserved in a morocco-backed pull-top box (little rubbed), 8vo, Chapman and Hall, 1837.
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