Sign in
Register
notifications_none notifications Alerts

We found 596780 price guide item(s) matching your search

Refine your search

Year

Filter by Price Range
  • List
  • Grid
  • 596780 item(s)
    /page

Forum Auctions
Lot 24

*** Please note, the description of this lot has changed ***Astrology.- Heydon (Sir Christopher) A Defence of Judiciall Astrologie, in Answer to a Treatise lately published by M. John Chamber, first edition, woodcut device on title, woodcut initials and headpieces, title somewhat soiled, C2 and C3 transposed, L4 with tear to fore-margin running into text, marginal ink annotations in several hands some using astrological symbols, bookplate to pastedown, later half calf, upper cover detached, spine chipped at head, rubbed and scuffed, [STC 13266], sm. 4to, John Legat, 1603.⁂ Scarce at auction. Heydon's most famous work and the most substantial English defence of astrology at the time.Provenance: James Hovell (bookplate).

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 218

Pharmacopoeia.- Schroeder (Johann) The Compleat Chymical Dispensatory, in five books, treating of all sorts of metals, precious stones, and minerals, of all vegetables and animals, and things that are taken from them, as musk, civet, &c., translated by William Rowland, first English edition, woodcut initials, head- and tail-pieces, 2E4 with tear and creasing to lower margin, occasional light browning but a good copy generally, contemporary speckled calf, neatly and sympathetically rebacked, some wear to corners, [Duveen p.538; Wing S898], folio, by John Darby, 1669.⁂ First and only English edition of Pharmacopoiea Medic-Chymica (1641), the standard textbook for German apothecaries for over a century.

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 67

*** Please note, the description of this lot has changed ***Massinger (Philip) The Roman Actor. A Tragedie, first edition, woodcut device on title, woodcut head-pieces and initial, some foxing and marginal browing, final leaf slightly chipped, a few leaves trimmed just touching headline, later dark blue half morocco, covers detached, head of spine nicked, [STC 17642; Greg II, 424; Pforzheimer 680], 4to, Printed by B. A. and T. F. for Robert Allot, 1629.⁂ "This is unanimously acclaimed as one of Massinger's finest tragedies" (Pforzheimer). This copy with H3v and H4r correct. Pencil note on endpaper reads "Borowitz copy".

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 181

Trigonometry and Logarithms.- Newton (John) Trigonometria Britanica: or, the Doctrine of Triangles, first edition, woodcut initials and headpieces, diagrams in text, logarithmic tables, last f. folding with errata, title closely shaved at head, a few ink notes in a contemporary hand, trimmed advertisement laid onto title verso, occasional light browning or damp-staining, ink inscriptions to endpapers, bookplate to pastedown, contemporary speckled calf, old reback, preserving original backstrip, [Tomash & Williams N36; Wing N1072], folio, R. & W. Leybourn, 1658.⁂ First edition of this scarce treatise, dedicated to Lord Richard Cromwell, the most complete book on logarithms up to its time. Provenance: John Hope, 1671 (ink inscription); Hopetoun Library (bookplate).

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 331

Spain.- [Luna (Miguel de)] The History of the Conquest of Spain by the Moors. Together with the Life of the Most Illustrious Monarch Almanzor, first edition in English, marginal foxing, occasional marginal damp-staining, some marking and ink ownership inscription to title, contemporary panelled calf, sympathetically rebacked, corners bumped, [Palau 144080; Wing L3484A], F. Leach for S. H., to be sold by T. Fox, 1687.⁂ First complete edition in English of this chronicle of the conquest of Spain, purportedly taken from an Arabic manuscript but in fact composed by Philip II's interpreter, Miguel de Luna.Provenance: Fra. Polson Lincolns Inn (ink inscription).

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 394

[Trotter (Catharine)] Fatal Friendship. A Tragedy. As it is Acted at the New-Theatre in Little Lincolns-Inn-Fields, first edition, first issue with 2 headlines misprinted "The Fatal Marriage", browning, closely shaved at head and foot, affecting final line of text on E2 recto, ink initials to title, modern wrappers, [Wing C4802], sm. 4to, for Francis Saunders, 1698.⁂ First edition of Trotter's most popular play that help establish her reputation as a dramatic writer. We can trace no copies at auction in the last 60 years.

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 292

De Laune (Thomas) The Present State of London: or, Memorials comprehending A Full and Succinct Account Of the Ancient and Modern State thereof, first edition, engraved frontispiece and 12 plates, woodcut illustrations, without signature R (as issued), K3 shaved slightly affecting catchword, contemporary mottled calf, upper cover detached, [Wing D894], 12mo, Printed by George Larkin, for Enoch Prosser and John How, 1681.⁂ ESTC calls for 17 plates but this would appear to be erroneous as all auction records state 12 plates, as here.Provenance: Charles, 1st Viscount Eversley (bookplate).

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 56

America.- Carpenter (Nathanael) Geography Delineated, 2 parts in 1, first edition, complete with all blank leaves, 4 folding letterpress tables, woodcut illustrations, front endpapers renewed, contemporary blind-stamped calf, rubbed and repaired, upper joint cracking, [STC 4676; Sabin 10999; Wellcome I, 1319; Madan 554], 4to, Oxford, Printed by John Lichfield and William Turner..., for Henry Cripps, 1625.⁂ Superb copy of the first important treatise on theoretical geography written by an Englishman. Seldom found complete with all the folding tables and the leaf of verses "To my book" and the errata leaf. Pages 115-131 in the second part relate to America with discussion on the possibility of a north-west passage, the voyages and explorations of Columbus, Magellan, Drake, Cabot, Davis, Frobisher, Hudson etc and passages on Hudson's Bay and Newfoundland. Carpenter also mentions that, according to a Spanish chart taken by Hollanders, California has been discovered to be an island rather than part of the continent although the evidence "seems rather to cherish hope, than persuade consent."

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 291

Natural History.- Grew (Nehemiah) Musaeum Regalis Societatis. or A Catalogue & Description Of the Natural and Artificial Rarities Belonging to the Royal Society And preserved at Gresham College, 2 parts in 1, first edition, engraved portrait frontispiece, 31 plates, one folding, ms corrections in ink on I3v, M1r, Aa3r, Hh4r, Rr4v, Xx4r, tear/hole in C1 part 2 in text but not affecting legibility, rust hole in N4 part 1 with slight loss of text, slight staining to upper corner at beginning, some light foxing, last couple of plates with marginal browning, contemporary speckled calf, rebacked, [Wing G1952; Osler 2840], folio, Printed by W. Rawlins, for the Author, 1681.⁂ Grew (1641-1712) is best known for his important contributions to plant morphology and anatomy. From about 1672, the Royal Society became the focal point of much of Grew's scientific activities and most of his works originated as papers read before the Society. By 1677 he had become one of the Society's secretaries and he was 'requested' to publish this description of the Society's museum - a description which not only lists, but describes in detail, with illustrations, the rarities collected by the Society. The second part, The Comparative Anatomy of Stomachs and Guts, was an important contribution to animal anatomy. The manuscript corrections are possibly in the hand of Richard Frewin (1681-1716, physician and professor, whose ink inscription dated 1707 is on the front free endpaper. Frewin assembled an impressive library of over 2000 volumes of science and medicine and left various scholarly trusts and an Oxford house (Frewin Hall). The correction on Xx4 inserts in an otherwise blank space before the name "Henshaw", the word "Thomas".

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 81

Marmyon (Shakerley) A Fine Companion, first edition, lacking final blank leaf K4, a few catchwords trimmed, modern wrappers, cloth chemise with bookplate of David and Lulu Borowitz, [STC 17442; Pforzheimer 646; Greg II, 481], 4to, Printed by Aug. Mathewes for Richard Meighen, 1633.⁂ First state of signature B1 with the catchword "turne" uncorrected. Shackerley Marmion (1603-39) wrote three plays and also Cupid and Psyche a long verse narrative in heroic couplets in 1637. No copy at auction since this one in 1977.

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 23

?Family copy.- Bell (Thomas) The Anatomie of Popish Tyrannie, first edition, title with woodcut head-piece and device, partially printed in black letter, lower margin of A3 torn away with loss of signature, early ink annotations and underlining, some water-staining and soiling, a few edges frayed, later half sheep, later Bell family arms on paper label pasted to upper cover, rubbed, [STC 1814], 4to, Printed by John Harison, for Richard Bankworth, 1603.⁂ Bell was a Yorkshire clergyman who converted to Catholicism, was imprisoned in 1573, became a student at Douai and the English College at Rome, and when returning to England as a missionary priest, was again apprehended in 1592. This time he recanted and proceeded to become one of the most prolific and persuasive of the anti-Catholic writers, earning pensions from both Elizabeth and James I. This copy with many early annotations including an inscription on the title: "Ignorance saith ye papist is mother of devotion, when truly it makes a murther of devotion" and another on verso of A4 entitled "The Jesuits Downfall". It also bears the 18th century bookplate of a Thomas Bell, which together with the later arms on the cover, suggest this may have been a family copy.No copies traced at auction.

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 284

Europe.- Bethel (Slingsby) The Interest of Princes and States, first edition, 4pp. advertisements at end, lacking initial blank, some light foxing, occasional worming to fore-margin touching a few letters, bookplate to pastedown, contemporary calf, rebacked, retaining much of original backstrip, [Wing B2064], 8vo, John Wickins, 1680.⁂ First edition of this work composed by Bethel during his travels. In it he advocated freedom of trade and liberty of conscience. Provenance: Earl of Ilchester (bookplate).

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 163

Cookery.- Moffett (Thomas) Healths Improvement: or, Rules Comprizing and Discovering The Nature, Method, and Manner of Preparing all sorts of Food used in this Nation, first edition, imprimatur leaf bound after title, corners of title repaired, a few ff. slightly frayed at foot, lightly browned, occasional spotting or foxing, without initial and final blanks, contemporary calf, sympathetically rebacked, rubbed, [Cagle 879; Oxford p.27; Vicaire 613; Wing M2382], 4to, Printed by Tho. Newcomb for Samuel Thomson, 1655.⁂ Includes bread, freshwater and sea fish, dairy products, fruits and all types of meats. This is also the first work to list British wild fowl and comment on their migrations.Provenance: The Cetus copy, sold Bloomsbury Auctions, 22nd September, 2011, lot 270

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 358

Natural History.- Blount (Sir Thomas Pope) A Natural History: containing many not common observations: extracted out of the best modern writers, first edition, 3pp. advertisements at end, some light browning, but very good generally, contemporary calf, neatly and sympathetically rebacked, [British Bee Books 66; Wing B3351], 8vo, Printed for R. Bentley in Russel-Street in Covent-Garden, 1693. ⁂ Includes sections on spices, chocolate, coffee, tobacco, bees, gemstones and minerals.

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 364

*** Please note, the description of this lot has changed *** Evelyn copy.- Le Grand (Antoine) An Entire Body of Philosophy, according to the Principles of the famous Renate Des Cartes, first edition in English, engraved frontispiece and 100 plates or full-page illustrations by Kip, Gucht, Lens and Freman among others, 1 plate folding, 1 plate margin torn, not affecting image, 4Y2 with tear to lower margin, just running into text, bookplates to pastedown, contemporary panelled calf, joints cracked, corners bumped, upper cover detached, [Wing L950], folio, Samuel Roycroft and sold by the Undertaker Richard Blome, 1694.⁂ Many of the plates are dedicated to noble personages which helped defray cost of publication.Provenance: Evelyn family copy (engraved armorial bookplate of Sir. Fred. Evelyn, Bt. and 20th century 'JE' monogram bookplate).

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 159

Peasants' Revolt.- [Cleveland (John)] The Idol of the Clownes, or, Insurrection of Wat the Tyler, ?first edition, title repaired at inner margin with loss to ruled border, some light browning and foxing, later tree calf, rebacked, [Wing C4672], 8vo, 1654.⁂ One of two editions of this account of the Peasants' Revolt of 1381 published in 1654, this one with 148pp., the other with 154pp. and an engraved portrait called for by ESTC.

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 380

Economics.- V[ickaris] (A.) An Essay, for Regulating of the Coyn, first edition, without A4 (probably blank, but not called for in ESTC pagination), lightly browned, modern calf-backed marbled boards, [Wing V337; Kress 2005], 4to, Printed by James O. for Richard Cumberland, 1696.⁂ One of two variants, this with pagination [6], 28. The opening chapter laments the loss of imports of plate and bullion via the fleets which Spain "used to send annually to the Vera-Cruz, Cartagena, Porto bello, Hunduras, Rio de la Platta, Havana, Marracaya, and other places in their West Indies, whither they carried great quantities of our English Manufactories."

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 144

Chamberlen (Peter) The Poore Mans Advocate, or, Englands Samaritan. Powring Oyle and Wyne into the wounds of the Nation, first edition, title within typographic border, other woodcut decorations, title with short marginal tear, corner of last 2 leaves defective with loss to some text of Table, some other marginal defects, some light staining, early ink marginalia, modern calf-backed marbled boards, [Wing C1901; Kress 759; Goldsmiths' 1022], 4to, Printed for Giles Calvert, [1649].⁂ The title continues: "By making present Provision for the Souldier and the Poor, by reconciling all Parties. By paying all Arreares to the Parliament Army. All publique Debts, and all the late Kings, Queenes, and Princes Debts due before this Session." Scarce at auction with few records.

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 355

Boyle (Robert) Medicinal Experiments; Or, A Collection Of Choice Remedies, For The Most Part Simple, And Easily Prepared, 2 parts in 1 vol., first edition, initial imprimatur f. with ink notes to head, light soiling and browning, some chipping and creasing to corners, Dedication f. lower corner torn away with loss to 1 word, ink ownership inscription to head of title, modern half calf, [Fulton 179; Wing B3989], 12mo, for Sam. Smith, 1692.⁂ First edition of Boyle's only work devoted to medicine. Includes "A catalogue of the philosophical books and tracts, written by the Honourable Robert Boyle Esq." at the end, as issued. Provenance: Will ?Seton, 1736 (ink inscription).

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 188

Way to True Peace (The), or A Calm, Seasonable, and Modest word in love...By a stedfast Member of the Church of England, first edition, 4ff., drop-head title, fore-edge of A2 roughly opened but text unaffected, lower edge trimmed with loss to two catchwords, some dust-soiling, modern sprinkled calf by Kerr & Richardson, Glasgow, [Wing W1174], 4to, Printed for John Clowes, 1660.⁂ ESTC locates the BL copy only. No copies traced at auction.

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 260

Archery.- Shotterel (Robert) and Thomas Durfey. Archerie Reviv'd; or the Bow-Man's Excellence. An Heroick Poem, first edition, with initial blank, woodcut and typographic headpieces, fore-margins closely shaved, affecting a few printed side-notes, contemporary sheep, rubbing to extremities, [Wing, S 3647], 8vo, Thomas Roycroft, 1676⁂ A scarce and charming work, we can trace only 2 copies at auction in the last 70 years.

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 130

Wither (George) The Great Assises Holden in Parnassus by Apollo and his Assessours, first edition, title within typographic border (trimmed at all but the inner edge), text leaves trimmed affecting pagination and upper edge of woodcut border to heading 'Apollo' on A2, some browning to upper edge, lacking final blank leaf G2, modern dark blue crushed morocco, spine partially sunned, [Wing W3160; Grolier 1048], 4to, Printed by Richard Cotes, for Edward Husbands, 1645.⁂ A cropped copy of this rare work which seldom appears at auction. Includes mention of several important early English writers. In the work the newspapers are arraigned and condemned before Apollo and a jury. Wither is foreman and other jurors include Shakespeare, Beaumont, Fletcher, Haywood, Davenant and Massinger; the judges include Sir Francis Bacon, Sir Philip Sidney, Erasmus, Selden, Grotius and Barclay; Ben Jonson is the jailer and Edmund Spencer the clerk.Provenance: William Carleton (ink inscription to front free endpaper about the receipt of this book from a friend in 1682/3).

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 365

Gout.- Atkins (William) A Discourse Shewing the Nature of the Gout... also Helps for Plasies, Plurisies, Cholick, Convulsions... With Receipts and Directions for the Cure of the King's Evil, first edition, engraved portrait frontispiece, light foxing or browning, occasional chipping to margins, lacking rear endpaper, contemporary sheep, rubbed and scuffed, [Wellcome I, p.66; Wing A4125], 8vo, for Tho. Fabian, 1694.⁂ Rare. ESTC lists 7 copies, we can trace no complete example at auction. Atkins earned a certain amount of wealth and fame for his cure and became a figure of note. He would apparently advertise his services using pictures of his likeness surrounded by objects from his profession, however the present frontispiece is the only known portrait of him to survive.

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 369

Conquest of Guinea.- Houghton (Thomas) Europe's Glory: or, Peace & Plenty to the People thereof, first edition, headline just trimmed in a couple of places, some light browning, modern half calf over marbled boards, spine and part of upper cover sunned, [Wing H2927; Kress 1901; not in Goldsmiths], 4to, 1695.⁂ A scheme whereby a European force would effect the conquest of Guinea, including the Gold Coast, from the River Gambia in the north to Angola in the south, providing riches as great as those in the Americas. Many comparisons and descriptions of the West Indies, Peru etc. and the trade carried on with the Americas. Rare at auction with only one copy recorded, in 1988.

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 107

[Sarpi (Paolo)] The History of the Inquisition, first English edition, translated by Robert Gentilis, initial imprimatur leaf, title in red and black within typographic border, typographic decorations, some underlining of text in red ink, occasional water-staining, upper hinge broken at first gathering, later half calf, rebacked, corners worn, [STC 21765], 4to, Printed by J. Okes, for Humphrey Mosley, 1639.⁂ Provenance: John Thornton (ink inscription at head of title); F. Paul (ink inscription on recto of imprimatur leaf and beneath, in another hand, 'Father Paul'.

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 197

P[hilips] (K[atherine]) Poems, first (unauthorised) edition, initial imprimatur leaf, woodcut device on title, errata leaf bound at end not as Q7 with top portion renewed, lacking blank leaf Q8, occasional soiling, contemporary sheep, rebacked, one corner worn, [Wing P2032], 8vo, Printed by J. G. for Rich. Marriott, 1664.⁂ Known as 'the matchless Orinda', the author, one of the 17th century's leading female writers, is described on the title as 'the Incomparable Mrs. K.P.'. This first collected edition was apparently unauthorised and her friends Sir Charles Cotterell and John Jeffreys tried to persuade the publisher to suppress the edition, but evidently some copies escaped into circulation.Provenance: Johanna Kirkby (ink name on front endpaper); ?Frances Senhouse (inscription and poem, but possibly to her rather than by her, on front endpaper); another Senhouse name on verso of errata leaf at end but partly missing); Roger Senhouse (bookplate).

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 171

Polygamy & Divorce.- Ochino (Bernardino) A Dialogue of Polygamy, first edition in English, [translated by Francis Osborne], 2 parts in 1, lacking initial blank leaf, title soiled, some other spotting and soiling, fore-edge and margin of some leaves towards end stained, later half calf, rebacked, rubbed, Signet Library copy with gilt arms to covers, [Wing O126], 12mo, Printed for John Garfeild, 1657.⁂ Part 2 is A Dialogue of Divorce.

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 252

Gentlemanly conduct.- [Caillieres (Jacques de)] The Courtier's Calling: Shewing the Ways of making a Fortune, and the Art of Living at Court, first English edition, initial blank leaf, engraved frontispiece, final errata leaf, contemporary blind-stamped sheep, spine a little rubbed and faded and with small hole, [Wing C207B], 12mo, Printed by J. C. for Richard Tonson, 1675.⁂ Very good copy of this scarce life-guide for 'noblemen' and 'gentlemen'. Provenance: Unidentified contemporary Ink inscription to front free endpaper: "I bought ye French book at an auction in Edinb." On initial blank leaf "Cost 8 pence from John Vallange March 1694" ?Dunbar family bookplate (motto 'In promptu'); Arnold Muirhead (bookplate).

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 53

[Featley (Daniel)] The Fisher Catched in his owne Net, first edition, some ink scribbling to title, minor marginal worming to first half of work, short tear to A3, some light foxing, modern morocco-backed cloth, [STC 10732.3], 4to, 1623.⁂ "Account of Protestant-Catholic controversies, especially of the conference held June 27, 1623, between Featley and Francis White and the Jesuits Fisher and Sweet." ESTC. This issue, of which only 2 copies (Peterborough Cathedral and Union Theological Seminary) are recorded by ESTC, has reading "yeare" at beginning of line 2 on A2r.

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 93

B[asset] (R[obert], translator) The Lives of All the Roman Emperors, being exactly Collected, from Julius Caesar, unto the now reigning Ferdinand the Second, first edition, additional engraved title slightly trimmed at head, printed title within typographic border, numerous woodcut portraits, some light water-staining, modern calf, some surface abrasion from worming, [STC 1558], 8vo, Printed by N. and I. Okes, 1636.⁂ ⁂ Translation of Gio Antonio di Pauli's Sommario dell evite de gl'imperadori romani, sometimes attributed to Richard Brathwaite.Provenance: Thomas Pelling Little (ink inscription, dated 1828, at head of A3.

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 160

Memory.- Herdson (Henry) Ars Memoriae, The Art of Memory Made Plain [Ars Mnemonica, sive Herdsonus Bruxiatus], first edition, second issue, with cancel-title to the "Ars Memoriae" which is placed first in this second issue but retains the original pagination ([65] -92), the "Ars Mnemonica" with A1 and A2 (one of which was the title to the 1651 first issue) cancelled and not replaced, "Ars Memoriae" with 2 blanks at end, woodcut ornament on title, woodcut initials and headpieces, closely shaved at head, touching a few page numbers, light foxing and browning, contemporary calf, rebacked and recornered, some rubbing and surface wear, [Wing H1546A], sm. 8vo, for William Shears, 1654.⁂ Rare, ESTC lists 5 copies only.

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 315

Helmont ( Franciscus Mercurius van) The Paradoxal Discourses...concerning the Macrocosm and Microcosm, of the Greater and Lesser World, And their Union, 2 parts in 1, first English edition, translated by J.B., 2 engraved plates, E8 torn, some light water-staining, pagination just trimmed in a couple of places, contemporary sheep, rubbed, rebacked, corners worn, [Wing H1393; Wellcome III, 241; Duveen p.284; Osier cat. 2928], 8vo, Printed by J.C. and Freeman Collins, for Robert Kettlewel, 1685.⁂ First English edition of this series of essays on philosophical, scientific, medical and theological matters by the son of the Flemish chemist and physician Jean Baptiste van Helmont (1577-1644). Francis Mercurius was a tutor and friend of Leibniz and was an important figure in the publication of early Kabbalistic texts.

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 132

Witchcraft.- F. (H.) A true and exact Relation Of the severall Informations, Examinations, and Confessions of the late Witches, arraigned and executed in the County of Essex, first edition, title within typographic border, woodcut initials and headpieces, light foxing to title, a few short repaired tears to margins, but a good copy generally, bookplate to pastedown, polished calf, gilt, by Bedford, neatly rebacked, retaining much of original backstrip, [Wing F23], sm. 4to, by M.S. for Henry Overton, and Benj. Allen, and are to be sold at their shops in Popes-head Alley, 1645.⁂ Rare work that relates the "severall murthers, and devillish Witchcrafts committed on the bodies of men, women, and children, and divers cattle". ESTC calls for a frontispiece, however we can trace no example of a copy that includes one at auction. Provenance: Cardiff Castle (bookplate).

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 50

Howson (John) Certaine Sermons Made in Oxford, Anno Dom. 1616, first edition, with initial leaf (blank apart from signature 'A') slightly frayed, later 17th century inscriptions to this leaf and front endpapers, contemporary limp vellum, remains of green silk ties, [STC 13879], 4to, Printed by T. S. for John Pyper, 1622.⁂ First and only edition of these anti-Catholic sermons by the Bishop of Oxford and later Durham. STC and Bishop record only one copy in America, at the Folger Library.Provenance: Charles Healey of Frodingham, Lincs (ink inscriptions in Latin, one dated 1692)

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 285

Impostor Expos'd (The), in a Dissection of a Villanous Libell...concerning the Black Box, first edition, final advertisement leaf, slight staining to upper edge, small tear to upper margin I1, modern half calf, [Wing I104], 8vo, Printed for James Vade, 1681.⁂ A treatise concerning Papists, Jesuits, rebellion and treason in response to Robert Ferguson's A letter to a person of honour, concerning the black box. ESTC records only the Beinecke Library copy in N. America (and 7 copies in B. Isles).

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 90

Law.- Lambarde (William) Archion, or, A Comentary upon the High Courts of Justice in England, first edition, lacking initial blank leaf, some light foxing, modern calf, [STC 15143], 8vo, Printed for Daniel Frere, 1635.⁂ The first history of the King's Courts, finished in 1569 but not published until 1635.

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 378

Barbe (Simon) The French Perfumer, first English edition, with final blank leaf G4 present, rather browned and stained, later half calf over marbled boards, [Wing B689A], 12mo, Printed for Sam. Buckley, 1696.⁂ There were 2 further 17th century editions (1697 and 1700) and all are rare, with no auction appearances, although the French editions, the first of which was published in Lyon in 1693, appear quite frequently. The title continues: "Teaching the several ways of Extracting the Odours of Drugs and Flowers, and Making all the Compositions of Perfumes for Powder, Wash-balls, Essences, Oyls, Wax, Pomatum, Paste, Queen of Hungary's Rosa Solis, and other Sweet Waters...also How to Colour and Scent Gloves and Fans..."

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 391

John Locke.- S[ergeant] (J[ohn]) Solid Philosophy Asserted, Against the Fancies of the Ideists: or, the Method to Science Farther Illustrated. with Reflexions on Mr. Locke's Essay concerning Human Understanding, first edition, front endpaper partially stuck to inner edge of title, affecting rules but not text, title appears to be a cancel, contemporary speckled calf, rubbed, spine repaired, [Wing S2594], 8vo, Printed for Roger Clavil, Abel Roper, and Thomas Metcalf, 1697.⁂ Rare. No copy at auction since 1980.

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 294

Shakespeare (William).- Tate (Nahum) The Ingratitude of a Common-Wealth: Or, the Fall of Caius Martius Coriolanus, first edition, trimmed affecting pagination on several leaves and just touching top line of text on G3v and I3v, some light water-staining, modern calf, spine faded, [Wing T190], 4to, Printed by T.M. for Joseph Hindmarsh, 1682.⁂ Adapted by John Denis and James Thomson, and written by Tate, the play was based on Shakespeare's Coriolanus, which was not published separately until 1734.

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 189

Blondel (David) A Treatise of the Sibyls, so Highly Celebrated, as well by the Antient Heathens, as the Holy Fathers of the Churche..., translated by John Davies of Kidwelly, first edition in English, title with woodcut device, woodcut initials and headpieces, occasional light foxing or spotting, occasional light damp-staining, mostly marginal, contemporary calf, 19th century reback and recornering, light rubbing, [Wing B3220A], folio, Printed by T. B. for the Authour, and are to be sold by Thomas Dring, 1661.⁂ Blondel's attack on the Sybilline oracles, first published at Charenton in 1649.

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 168

David Garrick's copy.- King (Daniel) The Vale-Royall of England. Or, The County Palatine of Chester... also, An Excellent Discourse of Island of Man, first edition, engraved additional title (trimmed to margin and laid down), double-page maps of Cheshire & The Isle of Man, double-page plan of Chester, 11 plates of Arms and 5 other folding or full-page plates, engraved illustrations, letterpress title rather soiled, backed with 1 letter restored, 1 double-page map and the plan with splitting along central fold, 1 plate trimmed, affecting caption at foot, occasional short marginal repaired tears, occasional soiling, damp-staining towards end, bookplate to pastedown, attractive 18th century red morocco, gilt, spine gilt in compartments with Greek key design and urn motif, g.e., [Wing K488], sm. folio, by John Streater, 1656.⁂ The work was in fact written by William Smith, William Webb and Samuel Lee, and the part devoted to the Isle of Man by James Chaloner. King only wrote the dedication and was the engraver of the plates.Provenance: David Garrick (his gilt initial "D" headed by eagle to foot of spine).

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 43

Curtius Rufus (Quintus) The History...contayning the Actes of the great Alexander, translated by John Brende, partially printed in black letter, woodcut device on title, woodcut decorations and initials, first gathering with only 4ff., final gathering with only 6ff., title soiled, trimmed close, affecting headline in a few places, corner of B1 missing just touching catchword, later calf, rubbed, [STC 6148], 8vo, Printed by Thomas Crede, 1614.⁂ ESTC calls for 5 leaves in the first gathering A(-A¹-A³) and 6 leaves (as here) in the final one. It is unclear which leaf is missing from this copy, the one after the title being signed A5, followed by two more leaves of the Epistle Dedicatorie. Of the 13 copies located by ESTC only 2 are in N. America.Provenance: K. K. Wood (bookplate).

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 224

Trade and timber.- Smith (Capt. John) England's Improvement Reviv'd: Digested into Six Books, first edition, paper flaw to C2 with two small holes, one slightly affecting text, lacking final blank leaf, some light water-staining, mostly to lower margin, contemporary sprinkled sheep, rebacked preserving original gilt spine, [Wing S4092; Kress 1274; Goldsmiths' 1933; Keynes, Evelyn Bib. 125], 4to, In the Savoy, Printed by Tho. Newcomb for the Author, 1670.⁂ Scarce work begins with a discourse on trade but moves on to its main subject, the growth and use of timber and the use of waste lands. The treatise ends with a variety of subjects: 'Several observations about sheep', Several directions to make an aviary: also a fish-pond; and several observations about pigeons', The choice of cows for a dairy' and Directions to plant hops'.

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 388

Angling.- Tate (Nahum) The Innocent Epicure: or, the Art of Angling. A Poem, first edition, half-title, some foxing, later diced calf, gilt, spine gilt with morocco label, a little rubbed and stained, [Wing T191; Westwood & Satchell p.86; Thacher p.436], 8vo, Printed for S. Crouch, H. Playford, and W. Brown, 1697.⁂ The dedicatory poem is headed "J.S. to C.S." and the preface is signed by Nahum Tate, who states that, before endorsing its publication, he showed the manuscript to "several Experienc'd Anglers" who took the view that it excelled "any thing that has been publish'd in Prose upon this Subject", while from the poetic point of view "the Cast and Design of the Work are after the Model of Ancient and best receiv'd Poets." The second edition was published in 1713.Provenance: the George Miskin copy (sold at Bloomsbury Auctions, May 3rd, 2012); A.J. Booth (pencil name dated 1907 on front free endpaper).

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 308

Bacon (Roger) The Cure of Old Age and Preservation of Youth, translated by Richard Browne, 2 parts in 1 vol., first English edition, the Duveen-Crahan copy, lacking final advertisement f., a few ff. closely shaved at head, affecting headlines, very occasional light toning, bookplate to endpaper, 20th century black morocco by Crahan, spine gilt, [Duveen, p.38 (this copy); Wing B372], 8vo, Thomas Flesher and Edward Evets, 1683⁂ A translation of De retardatione accidentium senectutis, "a curious work...containing many strange recipes and rules of diet to keep young" - Duveen. Provenance: Denis Duveen; Marcus and Elizabeth Crahan (bookplates).

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 213

Witchcraft.- [Wagstaffe (John)] The Question of Witchcraft Debated, first edition, first issue (without publisher's name in imprint), lacking initial blank, trimmed just touching headline on one preface leaf, later sprinkled calf, rubbed, upper cover slightly stained, [Wing 198A], 8vo, 1669.⁂ A reissue includes "Edward Millington" in the imprint; a second edition appeared in 1671.

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 340

Fontenelle (Bernard le Bouyer de) A Plurality of Worlds. Written in French by the Author of the Dialogues of the Dead. Translated into English by Mr. Glanvill, first Glanvill edition, some light marginal toning, but a very good copy generally, contemporary calf, neatly and sympathetically reabacked, [Wing F1416], 8vo, R. Bentley and S. Magnes, 1688.⁂ One of the first major works of the Age of Enlightenment. First published in 1686, Fontenelle's work offered an explanation of Copernicus' heliocentric model of the universe, written in French and aimed at those with little prior scientific knowledge.

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 287

Popish Plot.- S. (T.) The Horrid Sin of Man-Catching. The Second Part. Or Further Discoveries and Arguments to prove, That there is no Protestant-Plot, first edition, browned, modern roan-backed boards, [Wing S166], 4to, Printed for H. Jones, 1681.⁂ A sermon by Edmund Hickeringill with the same title was published in the same year.

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 379

Distemper.- Colbatch (John) A Physico Medical Essay, concerning Alkaly and Acid, so far as they have relation to the Cause or Cure of Distempers, first edition, near contemporary speckled and blind-stamped calf, slightly rubbed, [Wing C5003], 8vo, Printed for Dan. Browne, 1696.⁂ Scarce work which includes an astute observation on a vegetarian diet - "There is some reason to believe, That the People before the Flood did not eat Flesh, but liv'd altogether upon Vegetables, as Fruit, Herbs, and Roots; which I suppose, was one great reason of their Longevity. And it may be observed the in Herefordshire, and other Countries abounding with Fruit, the People are longer Liv'd than in those Countries that want them."

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 348

Dryden (John) King Arthur: or, the British Worthy. A Dramatick Opera. Perform'd at the Queens Theatre by Their Majesties Servants, first edition, half-title, light staining to head, chip to head of last few gatherings, just affecting a few headlines, light foxing or browning, disbound, [Wing D2299], sm. 4to, for Jacob Tonson, 1691.⁂ First edition of this opera, set to music by Purcell. This issue with the unsigned leaf inserted after A4 containing the 'Prologue to the Opera, spoken by Mr. Betterton', and H2 a cancel with 'The Epilogue, Spoken by Mrs. Bracegirdle' verso; these are omitted in earlier copies.

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 385

Whiston (William) A New Theory of the Earth, from its Original to the Consummation of all Things, first edition, engraved frontispiece and 7 plates (one folding), 2pp. advertisements and errata f. at end, a very good, clean copy, contemporary panelled calf, joints splitting at head, some chipping to spine ends, [Wing W1696], 8vo, for Benj. Tooke, 1696. ⁂ Whiston succeeded Isaac Newton as Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge University. The present work held that the global flood of Noah was caused by a comet. It was well-received by Newton and Locke, amongst others.

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 97

W. (J.) The Valiant Scot, first edition, woodcut device on title, modern crushed morocco by Riviere & Son, inner gilt dentelles, [STC 24910; Greg II, 520], 4to, Printed by Thomas Harper for John Waterson, 1637.⁂ A tragedy based on Blind Harry's life of William Wallace. Scots bookplate of the Clan Davidson.

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 29

Italy.- [Dallington (Sir Robert)] A Survey of the Great Dukes State of Tuscany. A Survey of the Great Dukes State of Tuscany, first edition, first issue, woodcut ornament on title, woodcut initials and headpiece, light toning to title, some light damp-staining to upper corner, 1 short closed marginal tear, modern antique-style calf, [STC 6200], sm. 4to, for Edward Blount, 1605.⁂ Scarce. Darlington's part travelogue, part guide-book was also a searing critique of the Medici regime. It concludes with the punning motto "qui sub Medici vivit, misere vivit".

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 28

Radford (John) A Directorie Teaching the Way to Truth... Where-unto is added, A short Treatise against Adiaphorists, Neuters, and such as say they may be saued in any Sect, first edition, woodcut initials, head- and tail-pieces, title chipped and frayed with some loss to text and imprint, V7 with very short tear running into text, hinges broken, contemporary limp vellum, lacking ties, [STC 20602], small 8vo, Printed with licence [by the English secret press], 1605.⁂ Scarce and attractive work by the Catholic Radford who would join the Jesuits in 1608. We can trace no copy at auction since 1976.

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 211

Witchcraft.- Glanvill (Joseph) A Blow at Modern Sadducism In some Philosophical Considerations about Witchcraft, fourth edition, G2 holed with slight loss of text, advertisement leaf at end, a few ink stains, some marginal light browning, contemporary sheep, rebacked, rubbed, corners worn, [Wing G800], 8vo, Printed by E. Cotes for James Collins, 1668.⁂ First published in 1666 but much of the edition lost in the Great Fire and then reprinted in 1667 and twice in 1668. The second and third parts concern the case of the Drummer of Tedworth, who was supposed to be a vagabond who had been turned out of the house and avenged himself by causing drumming noises and other strange phenomena. These parts are first issued here. Glanvill (1636-80) was a philosopher, chaplain in ordinary to Charles II and a Fellow of the Royal Society.

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 36

George Steevens' copy.- Coryate (Thomas) Coryats Crudities Hastily gobbled up in five Moneths travells in France, Savoy, Italy, Rhetia...Switzerland, some parts of high Germany, and the Netherlands, first edition, woodcut of badge of Prince of Wales bound as frontispiece, engraved title by William Hole incorporating portrait of the author and figures representing various countries, 4 engraved plates (1 folding) and 2 illustrations in text, plate of the Venetian courtesan facing p.261 remargined, lower edge of e5 restored with loss to rule and about 5 words of text, small restoration to corner of G3 and hole in lower corner of Ii4, rust-holes in 2N3 and 2O1 slightly affecting text, tiny rust-hole in 3A2, some minor worming to inner margin, occasionally touching text or plate, a few other rust marks and minor staining, errata leaf at end, 19th century green straight-grain morocco, gilt, hinges reinforced, joints and extremities a little rubbed, g.e., [STC 5808; Pforzheimer 218], 4to, Printed by W. S[tansby], 1611.⁂ A superb, complete copy of this major travel guide. Coryate (?1577-1617) studied at Oxford without taking a degree and ended up at the court of James I, where he gained considerable popularity as a wit and buffoon. He used money inherited from his father to travel, setting off in 1608 and visiting some 45 cities in 7 countries in 5 months on foot, by cart, boat and horse. It is reckoned he covered almost 2,000 miles, over half of which was accomplished in one pair of shoes, mended only once and, on his return, hung up in the church at Odcombe in Somerset (his place of birth), where they remained for over a century. Despite his achievements, he found it difficult to get the account of his journies published and so appealed to all he knew to write commendatory verses about himself and the book. Among the more than 60 contributors of mock-heroic verse were Ben Jonson (acrostic on b4), John Donne, Inigo Jones, George Chapman and Michael Drayton. Provenance: George Steevens (1736-1800, commentator on Shakespeare, friend of Samuel Johnson, ink stamp on title verso); Dudley C. Marjoribanks (leather bookplate).

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 167

Crahan copy.- Short (Richard) Peri psychroposias (graece), Of Drinking Water, Against our Novelists, that prescribed it in England...whereunto is added Peri thermoposias (graece) Of Warm Drink, 2 parts in 1, first edition, lacking final blank leaf M8, some faded early ink annotations, later calf stamped in gilt and blind, [Wing S3528; Krivatsy 11072; Norman 1943; Simon BG 1381], 8vo, Printed for John Crook, 1656.⁂ The Crahan copy of this scarce little work on the benefits of cold water versus hot water, beer and wine.Provenance: William Constable (bookplate); Marcus [and Elizabeth] Crahan (bookplate, this copy sold at Sotheby's NY, October 1984, lot 213 $425)

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 393

[Tende (Gaspard de)] An Account of Poland, half-title, last 2 blank leaves present, some foxing and occasional soiling, last 4 gatherings heavily browned, contemporary panelled calf, rebacked, corners rubbed, [Wing T678], 8vo, Printed for T. Goodwin...and H. Newman, 1698.⁂ A translation of Relation historique de la Pologne by De Hauteville. Provenance: Caleb Raper (ink inscription to title, dated 1726); Joseph Noble (ink inscription to front free endpaper "Given to the Library Company of Burlington 1st mo. 13th 1755: By Joseph Noble"); Burlington Library Company [of New Jersey] bookplate.Joseph Noble was presumably one of the founding donors to the Burlington Library Company, which was founded in 1757, and is the seventh oldest library in continuous operation in the United States, and the first library to publish a catalogue of its books in 1758.

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 374

World.- Moll (Herman) Thesaurus Geographicus, A New Body of Geography, or a Compleat Description of the Earth, first edition, 58 engraved maps and plans, comprising 2 full-page and 56 printed within the text (24 maps and charts, 32 plans of fortified towns), including map of American with California as an island, pagination and collation erratic but seemingly complete, 2S4 torn at head running into text, last 2 ff. with loss to upper margin affecting a few words of text, occasional light browning, the odd marginal tear, a few ff. fore-margin a little creased and frayed, bookplate to title verso, ink ownership inscriptions to pastedowns, contemporary panelled calf, some chipping to spine ends, rubbed, [Wing T869], folio, for Abel Swall, 1695.⁂ Provenance: John Hogg, Lincoln's Inn (bookplate and inscription).

More details

Forum Auctions
Lot 375

Morocco.- Pidou de Saint Olon (François) Present State of the Empire of Morocco; With a faithful account of the manners, religion, and government of that people, first edition in English, engraved frontispiece, folding map and 8 plates of costumes, occasional browning but a good copy generally, book label and ink inscription to pastedown, contemporary speckled calf, upper joint cracked but holding firm, chip to head of spine, [Wing P2159], 8vo, by R. Bentley, 1695.⁂ Pidou de Saint Olon led a 1693 embassy to the Sultan of Morocco in the hopes of securing a treaty. The mission was unsuccessful and returned after only a month. Provenance: Wiston Old Rectory (book label); Reynold and Janet Stone (ink inscription "Found and given to Janet Stone by her husband Reynolds in memory of a stay in Morocco March 1970").

More details
Loading...Loading...
  • 596780 item(s)
    /page

Recently Viewed Lots