Cervantes Saavedra, Miguel de. Translated by Thomas Shelton

The History of Don-Quichote. The First Parte and The Second Part of the History of the Valorous and Witty Knight-Errant, Don Quixote of the Mancha.

London : Printed for Edward Blount, 1620.

Exceedingly rare first complete edition in English of Cervantes’ masterpiece comprised of a second edition of the first part and first edition of the second part. Small quarto, bound in full crimson crushed levant morocco by Riviere & Son, gilt titles and elaborate gilt tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands,Continue reading "The History of Don-Quichote. The First Parte and The Second Part of the History of the Valorous and Witty Knight-Errant, Don Quixote of the Mancha."

Bacon, Sir Francis

The Historie of the Raigne of King Henry the Seventh.

London : Printed by Stansby for Matthew Lownes and William Barret, 1622.

Scarce first edition, first issue of Sir Francis Bacon’s influential history of the reign of King Henry VII with “Highnesse” at the conclusion of the dedication and “souldiers” (3, line 12) (Pforzheimer 32; STC 1159). Quarto, bound in three quarters calf over marbled boards with tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised bands,Continue reading "The Historie of the Raigne of King Henry the Seventh."

Aleman, Matheo

The Rogue: Or The Life of Guzman de Alfarache.

London : Printed for Edward Blount, 1623.

First edition in English of this seminal Spanish picaresque novel. Imperial octavo, written in English with a few leaves in Spanish, bound in full polished calf with gilt titles and tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised bands, ruling to the front and rear panels stamped in blind, all edges speckled red, turn-insContinue reading "The Rogue: Or The Life of Guzman de Alfarache."

Ovid

Ovid’s Metamorphosis Englished by G. S.

London : Printed by William Stansby, 1626.

First edition of George Sandys’ famous verse translation of Ovid’s Metamorphoses, with engraved title page. Small folio, bound in contemporary calf, illustrated with engraved title by T. Cecil, and full-paged engraved portrait of Ovid by Marshall. In very good condition, names. Rare and desirable.

Corbin, Jacques. [George Washington]

Le Code Louis XIII. Roy De France Et De Navarre. [From the Library of George Washington].

A Paris : Chez Pierre Billaine, 1628.

First edition of Corbin’s legal compilation of ordinances and judgments issued during the reign of Louis XIII of France, from the library of General George Washington. Folio, bound in full mottled calf, morocco spine label lettered in gilt, elaborate gilt tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, double gilt ruling andContinue reading "Le Code Louis XIII. Roy De France Et De Navarre. [From the Library of George Washington]."

Machiavelli, Niccolo. Translated by Edward Dacres

Machiavels Discourses upon the First Decade of T. Livius translated out of the Italian; With some marginall animadversions noting and taxing his errors. [Machiavelli’s Discourses].

London : Printed for Thomas Paine for William Hills and Daniel Pakeman, 1636.

Rare first edition in English of Machiavelli’s fundamental work of political history and philosophy. 12mo, bound in one quarter morocco over marbled boards with an earlier morocco spine label lettered in gilt. Translated by Edward Dacres. Ownership signature. Rare and desirable.

Aquinas, Thomas

Summa Theologica Sancti Thomae Aquinatis, Divinae Voluntatis Interpretis: Sacri Ordinis Praedicatorum.

Parisiis : Sumptibus Maturini Henault, 1638.

Early printing of Aquinas’ seminal work. Folio, bound in full leather with a red morocco spine label lettered in gilt, woodcut engraving of Aquinas in prayer to the title page. In very good condition with tape repairs to the title page.

Ovid [Sandys, George]

Ovid’s Metamorphosis Englished, Mythologized, And Represented in Figures. An Essay to the Translation of Virgil’s Aeneis.

London : Printed by J. L. for Andrew Hebb, 1640.

Fourth edition of George Sandys’ revered English translation of Ovid’s Metamorphosis. Folio, contemporary paneled boards, rebacked, morocco spine label lettered in gilt, illustrated with two copies of the engraved portrait of Ovid (one opposite engraved title, the other opposite the Life), engraved title page, and 15 full-page plates (one at the beginning of each book ofContinue reading "Ovid’s Metamorphosis Englished, Mythologized, And Represented in Figures. An Essay to the Translation of Virgil’s Aeneis."

Heywood, Thomas

The Life of Merlin, Sirnamed Ambrosius. His Prophesies, and Predictions Interpreted; and their truth made good by our English Analls. Being a Chronological History of all the Kings, and memorable passages of this Kingdome, from Brute to the Reigne of our Royall Soveraigne King Charles.

London : Printed by J. Okes for Jasper Emery, 1641.

First edition of “one of Heywood’s most interesting pot-boilers” (Pforzheimer). Octavo, bound in three quarter polished calf over marbled boards, morocco spine label lettered in gilt, all edges gilt, wood-engraved frontispiece portrait of Merlin “generally attributed to [Wenzel] Hollar” (Wither to Prior 448), woodcut initials, headpieces and tailpieces. In very good condition, lacking as usualContinue reading "The Life of Merlin, Sirnamed Ambrosius. His Prophesies, and Predictions Interpreted; and their truth made good by our English Analls. Being a Chronological History of all the Kings, and memorable passages of this Kingdome, from Brute to the Reigne of our Royall Soveraigne King Charles."

Blaeu, Willem and Joan

Theatrum Orbis Terrarum. [Le Theatre du Monde].

Amsterdam : Chez Jean Blaeu/Apud Guiljelmum et Johannem Blaeu, 1643-1645.

A fine French-text copy in a presentation binding. Folio, 4 volumes, contemporary Dutch vellum likely from the Blaeu workshop with gilt tooling to the spine in eight compartments within gilt bands, central gilt arabesques and fleuron corner pieces within double gilt ruling to the front and rear panels, all edges gilt. Gilt presentation inscription toContinue reading "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum. [Le Theatre du Monde]."

Virgil. Translated by John Ogilby

The Works of Publius Virgilius Maro. [Virgil].

London : Printed by Thomas Warren, 1654.

First illustrated edition of Ogilby’s English translation of the works of Virgil, lavishly illustrated with 101 full-page copperplate engravings by famed engravers Pierre Lombart and Wenceslaus Hollar. Folio, bound in full contemporary paneled mottled calf with gilt ruling to the spine in six compartments within raised bands, rebacked to style preserving original morocco spine labelContinue reading "The Works of Publius Virgilius Maro. [Virgil]."

Baxter, Richard

A Treatise of Conversion.

London : Printed by R. W. for Nevel Simmons, 1657.

Rare first edition of this book on conversion by one of the chief pioneers of English Protestantism, and also revered in the United States for his contributions to the cause of evangelism. Octavo, bound in three quarters leather over boards, morocco spine label. In very good condition, owner name to the preliminary blank and heContinue reading "A Treatise of Conversion."

Percey, William

The Compleat Swimmer: Or, The Art of Swimming: Demonstrating The Rules and Practice thereof, in an Exact, Plain, and Easie Method. Necessary to be Known and Practiced by All Who Studie or Desire their own Preservation.

London : Printed by J. C. for Henry Fletcher, 1658.

First and only edition of one of the earliest treatises on swimming, preceded only by Sir Everard Digby’s short Latin tract, published in 1589 and translated into English in 1595; and the Dutchman Nicholas Wynman’s De arte natandi, 1538. 12mo, bound in full 19th century calf with gilt titles and tooling the spine, gilt rulingContinue reading "The Compleat Swimmer: Or, The Art of Swimming: Demonstrating The Rules and Practice thereof, in an Exact, Plain, and Easie Method. Necessary to be Known and Practiced by All Who Studie or Desire their own Preservation."

Perez, Antoni

Institutiones Imperiales Erotematibus Distinctae.

Amstelodami [Amsterdam] : Danielem Elzevirium, 1669.

Scarce 17th century printing of Perez’s early legal treatise. 12mo, bound in full contemporary vellum, engraved pictorial title page. In near fine condition.

The Author W. P. [Penn, William]

The Great Case of Liberty of Conscience Once More Briefly Debated & Defended, by the Authority of Reason, Scripture, and Antiquity.

[London] 1670 [i.e. 1671].

Rare second edition of one of the most persuasive defences of liberty and “the free and uninterrupted exercise of our consciences”(William Penn). Quarto, bound in full modern morocco, gilt titles and ruling to the spine, inner dentelles elaborately stamped in blind. A powerful argument for toleration and against the intrusion of civil authority into religiousContinue reading "The Great Case of Liberty of Conscience Once More Briefly Debated & Defended, by the Authority of Reason, Scripture, and Antiquity."

Milton, John

Paradise Regain’d. A Poem. In IV Books. To Which is Added Samson Agonistes.

London : Printed by J.M. for John Starkey, 1671.

First edition, first issue of these epic poems, with the misprint “loah” on page 67 instead of “loth” in Paradise Regained. Octavo, bound in full contemporary speckled calf with gilt titles and tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised bands, double gilt ruling to the front and rear panels, all edges marbled, engraved portrait frontispiece,Continue reading "Paradise Regain’d. A Poem. In IV Books. To Which is Added Samson Agonistes."

The Holy Bible Containing the Old and New Testament. Newly translated out of the originall tongues and with the former translations diligently compared and revised by his Majesties speciall Command.

London 1672.

Rare 1672 edition of the King James version of the Holy Bible with Geneva Bible notes. Folio, bound in early purple straight-grain morocco with gilt titles and tooling to the spine in six compartments within double raised gilt bands, gilt ruling and scrolling to the panels, gilt-ruled turn-ins and inner dentelles, all edges gilt, textContinue reading "The Holy Bible Containing the Old and New Testament. Newly translated out of the originall tongues and with the former translations diligently compared and revised by his Majesties speciall Command."

The Holy Bible Containing the Old and New Testament. Newly Translated out of the original tongues and with the former translations diligently compared and revised by his Majesties special Command.

London : N.p, 1672.

Rare 17th century edition of the King James version of the Holy Bible in folio, with Geneva Bible notes. Herbert 708; Wing B2285. Folio, 2 parts bound into one in three quarter speckled calf over marbled boards with elaborate gilt stamping to the spine in seven compartments within raised gilt bands, burgundy morocco spine labelContinue reading "The Holy Bible Containing the Old and New Testament. Newly Translated out of the original tongues and with the former translations diligently compared and revised by his Majesties special Command."

Machiavelli, Niccolò

The Florentine History in VIII Books.

London : Printed for Charles Harper, and John Amery, 1674.

Rare second edition in English of Machiavelli’s Florentine History, the first edition to appear after Thomas Bedingfield’s version in 1595. Octavo, bound in full contemporary calf, morocco spine label, raised bands. In near fine condition with occasional spotting. Scarce in commerce.

Milton, John

Paradise Lost. A Poem in Twelve Books.

London : Printed by S. Simmons next door to the Golden Lion in Aldersgate-Street, 1674.

Rare second edition of Milton’s masterpiece, “one of the greatest works of the human imagination” (DNB). Small octavo, bound in three quarter leather over marbled boards with gilt titles and stamping to the spine in six compartments within raised bands. Revised and augmented by the author, the number of books has been extended from tenContinue reading "Paradise Lost. A Poem in Twelve Books."

Machiavel, Nicolas. [Niccolo Machiavelli]

The Works of the Famous Nicolas Machiavel, Citizen and Secretary of Florence: The History of Florence; The Prince; The Discourses of Nicholas Machiavel; The Art of War In Seven Books.

London : John Starkey at the Miter in Fleetstreet, near Temple-Bar, 1675.

First edition in English of the most important writings of Niccolo Machiavelli, widely considered the foundation of the modern study of politics. Includes The History of Florence, The Prince, Discourses on Livy, and The Art of War. Folio bound in three quarter modern calf over marbled boards with gilt-lettered morocco spine label, modern endpapers butContinue reading "The Works of the Famous Nicolas Machiavel, Citizen and Secretary of Florence: The History of Florence; The Prince; The Discourses of Nicholas Machiavel; The Art of War In Seven Books."

Machiavelli, Niccolo

The Works of the Famous Nicholas Machiavel, Citizen and Secretary of Florence. Written originally in Italian, and from thence newly and faithfully translated into English.

London : Printed for J.S., to be sold by Robert Boulter at the Turks-head in Cornhil, against the Royal Exchange, 1675.

Rare first edition in English of the works of Machiavelli, an important work of political science which includes The Prince. Folio, bound in full calf, crimson morocco spine label, raised bands, decorated blind-tooled panel design to the front and rear panels. Includes: The History of Florence; The Prince; The Discourses of Nicholas Machiavel, Upon theContinue reading "The Works of the Famous Nicholas Machiavel, Citizen and Secretary of Florence. Written originally in Italian, and from thence newly and faithfully translated into English."

Raleigh, Sir Walter. [Alexander Ross]

The History of the World, In Five Books. [with] The History of the World: The Second Part, In Six Books: Being a Continuation of the famous History of Sir Walter Raleigh, Knight.

London : Printed for Robert White, T. Basset, J. Wright, R. Chiswell, G. Dawes and T. Sawbridge, 1677; London: Printed for John Saywell, 1652.

Rare 1677 printing of Sir Walter Raleigh’s renowned unfinished world history, written while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London and first published in 1614; uniformly bound with a rare first edition of its second part, being a continuation by Alexander Ross. Folio, two volumes bound in full diced calf with gilt titles and elaborate gilt tooling andContinue reading "The History of the World, In Five Books. [with] The History of the World: The Second Part, In Six Books: Being a Continuation of the famous History of Sir Walter Raleigh, Knight."

[Burnet, Gilbert]; Collected out of Mezeray, Thuanus, and other approved Authors

A Relation of the Barbarous and Bloody Massacre of About an Hundred Thousand Protestants, Begun at Paris, and Carried on Over All France by the Papists, in the Year 1572.

London : Printed for Richard Chiswel, 1678.

First edition of this seventeenth-century Protestant account of the 1572 St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre. Small octavo, bound in full red morocco by Zaehnsdorf with gilt titles and elaborate tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, triple gilt ruling to the front and rear panels, top edge gilt, gilt turn-ins and innerContinue reading "A Relation of the Barbarous and Bloody Massacre of About an Hundred Thousand Protestants, Begun at Paris, and Carried on Over All France by the Papists, in the Year 1572."