Hesketh, Henry

Piety the Best Rule of Orthodoxy. Or, an Essay Upon this Proposition: That the Conduciveness of Doctrines to Holiness or Vice, is the best Rule for private Christians to judge the Truth or Falshood of them by.

London : Printed by Walter Kettilby, at the Bishops-Head in S. Paul's Church-yard, 1680.

Rare first edition of Hesketh’s classic essay. 12mo, bound in full contemporary mottled calf with gilt tooling to the spine in five compartments within raised bands, gilt turn-ins, all edges marbled. In very good condition. Rare.

Bunyan, John

The Holy War, made by Shaddai upon Diabolus.

London : Printed for Dorman Newman and Benjamin Alsop, 1682.

Exceptionally rare first edition of this allegorical epic, which Macaulay said “if The Pilgrim’s Progress had not been written, The Holy War would have been the greatest English allegory” (Cambridge History of English Literature). Octavo, engraved portrait frontispiece by R. White. In very good condition, final advertisement leaf present, sig.B damp-stained at lower outer corners, cornerContinue reading "The Holy War, made by Shaddai upon Diabolus."

Opera Omnia. Ed. Jac. Sirmond (Volumes 1-4), and J. Garnier (Volume 5).

Paris : Sebastian and Gabriel Cramoisy, 1682-84.

A fine set of the works of Theodoretus, Bishop of Cyrus, beautifully painted on each panel. Quarto, five volumes, bound in full 17th-century vellum, both covers on each volume fully painted with a scene from the life of Christ, gilt titles and tooling to the spine, brown and black morocco lettering pieces. The first fourContinue reading "Opera Omnia. Ed. Jac. Sirmond (Volumes 1-4), and J. Garnier (Volume 5)."

Moliere, Jean-Baptiste Poquelin

Les Oeuvres De Monsieur De Moliere, Reveues, Corrigees & Augmentees (Tartuffe).

Paris : Chez Denys Thierry, 1682.

First complete and first illustrated collected edition, including 6 previously unpublished plays of the works of Moliere. Small octavo, 8 volumes. Finely bound in full crushed red morocco by Pouillet, gilt titles to the spine, raised bands, inner dentelles, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt, illustrated with engravings throughout. In near fine condition. An exceptional example.

Nobbes, Robert

The Compleat Troller, or, The Art of Trolling.

London : Printed for T. James for Tho. Helder, 1682.

Rare first edition of Nobbes’ authoritative work on the history and methods of trolling. First issue with the engraved hook on page 37 pointing to the right and two woodcut illustrations in the text. Small octavo, bound in three quarters morocco over marbled boards, gilt titles and tooling to the spine, raised bands, marbled endpapers.Continue reading "The Compleat Troller, or, The Art of Trolling."

Grotius, Hugo. Translated into English by William Evats, B.D

The Most Excellent Hugo Grotius: His Three Books Treating of the Rights of War & Peace. In the First is Handled, Whether any War be Just. In the Second is Shewed, The Causes of War, both Just and Unjust. In the Third is declared, What in War is Lawful, that is, Unpunishable.

London : Printed by M.W. for Thomas Basset at the George in Fleetstreet, and Ralph Smith at the Bible under the Piazza of the Royal Exchange in Cornhill, 1682.

Third edition in English of Higo Grotius’ foundational work on international law.  Folio, bound in full contemporary paneled calf with a burgundy morooco spine label lettered in gilt, title page printed in red and black, added engraved title by T. Cross Senior bound opposite the printed title page. Translated into English by William Evats. InContinue reading "The Most Excellent Hugo Grotius: His Three Books Treating of the Rights of War & Peace. In the First is Handled, Whether any War be Just. In the Second is Shewed, The Causes of War, both Just and Unjust. In the Third is declared, What in War is Lawful, that is, Unpunishable."

Constitutions and Canons Ecclesiastical, Treated Upon by the Bishop of London, President of the Convocation For the Province of Canterbury, and the Rest of the Bishops and Clergie of the said Province: And Agreed upon with the Kings Majesties License in their Synod begun at London, Anno Domini 1603.

London : Printed by the Assigns of John Bill Deceas'd: And by Henry Hills, and Thomas Newcomb, Printers to the Kings most Excellent Majesty, 1683.

Rare 17th century printing of the Ecclesiastical Constitutions of the Province of Canterbury. Quarto, bound in full contemporary mottled calf with elaborate gilt tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, engraved armorial frontispiece. In very good condition. Rare.

Zahn, Johann

Oculus Artificialis Teledioptricus, Sive Telescopium: Ex Abditis Rerum Naturalium Et Artificialium Principiis Protractum Novâ Methodo, Eâque Solidâ Explicatum ac Comprimis e Triplici Fundamento Physico Seu Naturali, Mathematico Dioptrico Et Mechanico, Seu Practico Stabilitum.

Quirini Heyl : Herbipoli [Würzburg], 1685-1686.

First edition of the most important work on the early history and manufacture of microscopes and telescopes; particularly valuable for its illustrations of both simple and compound microscopes of the period, including the type of compound instrument used by Robert Hooke. Folio, three volumes bound into in one in full contemporary vellum, morocco spine labelContinue reading "Oculus Artificialis Teledioptricus, Sive Telescopium: Ex Abditis Rerum Naturalium Et Artificialium Principiis Protractum Novâ Methodo, Eâque Solidâ Explicatum ac Comprimis e Triplici Fundamento Physico Seu Naturali, Mathematico Dioptrico Et Mechanico, Seu Practico Stabilitum."

Curtius Rufus, Quintus

De Rebus Alexandri Magni, Cum Commentario Perpetuo & Indice Absolutissimo Samuelis Pitisci. [History of Alexander the Great].

Utrecht : Apud Franciscum Halma, 1685.

Rare 17th century printing of Rufus’ celebrated history of Alexander the Great. Octavo, bound in full vellum, with engraved title, folding map and 9 engraved plates (some folding) depicting the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, a view of the ancient city, and a folding map of Alexander’s domain. In very good condition. Period ownership inscription.

Carlos II, King of Spain

Carta Executoria of King Carlos II of Spain for Diego Merino de Bargas of Tornavacas and His Sons Rodrigo, Francisco, and Luis Merino de Bargas.

Valladolid, Spain 1685.

Rare 17th century elaborately illuminated nobility patent of King Carlos II of Spain for the late Diego Merino de Bargas of Tornavacas, represented by two procurators, and his sons Rodrigo, Francisco, and Luis Merino de Bargas, residents of Lugar de Cavecuela. Quarto, bound in early red velvet over pasteboards with red and yellow silk cordContinue reading "Carta Executoria of King Carlos II of Spain for Diego Merino de Bargas of Tornavacas and His Sons Rodrigo, Francisco, and Luis Merino de Bargas."

Livy

The Roman History Written in Latine by Titus Livius. With the Supplements Of the Learned John Freinshemius, and John Dujatius. From the Foundation of Rome to the middle of the Reign of Augustus. Faithfully done into English.

London : Awnsham Churchill, 1686.

An exceptional early English edition of Livy’s classic Roman History. Folio, bound in period calf, illustrated with four plates, including frontispiece woodcut portraits of emperors and Hannibal, one two-page plate, and two maps of the early settlement of Rome. In very good condition, rebacked. A very sharp example.

Cervantes Saavedra, Miguel de

The History of the Most Renowned Don Quixote of Mancha: And his Trusty Squire Sancho Pancha, Now Made English according to the Humour of our Modern Language. And Adorned with several Copper Plates.

London : Printed by Tho. Hodgkin, and are to be sold by John Newton, 1687.

First edition of the first illustrated edition in English of Don Quixote. Folio, bound in three quarters calf over marbled boards, gilt titles to the spine, raised bands. With copper-engraved frontispiece and eight copper-engraved plates, each bearing two images. Translated by John Phillips. In very good condition with all plates present, signature trimmed. A veryContinue reading "The History of the Most Renowned Don Quixote of Mancha: And his Trusty Squire Sancho Pancha, Now Made English according to the Humour of our Modern Language. And Adorned with several Copper Plates."

Locke, John

A Second Letter Concerning Toleration.

London : Printed for Awnsham and John Churchill, at the Black Swan in Ave-Mary Lane, 1690.

First edition of John Locke’s landmark second Letter of Toleration, a profound influence on Jefferson, Madison and the architecture of the American Constitution on freedom of religion. Octavo, bound in three quarter calf with gilt titles to the spine, marbled endpapers. In very good condition, paper repair to lower corner D1, faint early ink ownershipContinue reading "A Second Letter Concerning Toleration."

Petty, Sir William

The Political Anatomy of Ireland…To Which is Added Verbum Sapienti.

London : Printed for D. Brown and W. Rogers, 1691.

First edition of this seminal, early statistical survey that analyzes 17th-century Irish land, people, and government to propose improvements for efficiency, taxation, and union with England. Duodecimo, bound in full speckled calf with gilt titles to the spine in six compartments within double ruled gilt bands, morocco spine label, and gilt turn-ins. In very goodContinue reading "The Political Anatomy of Ireland…To Which is Added Verbum Sapienti."

The Holy Bible Containing the Old Testament and The New. Newly Translated out of the Original Tongues. And With the former Translations dilligently compared & revised. [with] The Book of Common Prayer, And Administration of the Sacraments, and Other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church, According to Use of the Church of England; Together with the Psalter or Psalms of David.

London : Printed by Charles Bill and Thomas Newcomb, Printer to the King and Queens most Excellent Majesties, 1692-1693.

Rare 17th century Holy Bible and Book of Common Prayer uniformly and exquisitely bound. Octavo, two volumes uniformly bound in full crushed levant morocco with elaborate gilt tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, gilt ruling and scrolling to the front and rear panels with fleuron cornerpieces, engraved silver central ornamentContinue reading "The Holy Bible Containing the Old Testament and The New. Newly Translated out of the Original Tongues. And With the former Translations dilligently compared & revised. [with] The Book of Common Prayer, And Administration of the Sacraments, and Other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church, According to Use of the Church of England; Together with the Psalter or Psalms of David."

Locke, John

An Essay Concerning Humane Understanding: In Four Books.

London : Printed for Awnsham and John Churchil, at the Black-Swan in Pater-Noster Row, and Samuel Manship, at the Ship in Cornhill, near the Royal-Exchange, 1694.

Rare second edition of this fundamental work in the history of Western thought, the first to name Locke as the author and to include the frontispiece portrait of him. Folio, bound full paneled calf, morocco spine label lettered in gilt, elaborated diced stamping to the spine in five compartments within raised bands, engraved frontispiece portraitContinue reading "An Essay Concerning Humane Understanding: In Four Books."

Locke, John

Two Treatises of Government: In the former, the False Principles and Foundation of Sir Robert Filmer, and his Followers, Are Detected and Overthrown. The latter is an Essay Concerning The True Original Extent, and End of Civil-Government.

London : Printed for Awnsham and John Churchill, at the Black-Swan in Pater-noster Row, 1694.

Rare second edition of Locke’s famed treatises on government. Duodecimo, elaborately bound in full contemporary calf with ruling and tooling stamped in blind to the front and rear panels, all edges speckled. In good condition with rubbing, losses to the corners, and the spine rebacked. Lacking pages 337-352, which are supplied in facsimile and looselyContinue reading "Two Treatises of Government: In the former, the False Principles and Foundation of Sir Robert Filmer, and his Followers, Are Detected and Overthrown. The latter is an Essay Concerning The True Original Extent, and End of Civil-Government."

Locke, John

An Essay Concerning Humane Understanding: In Four Books.

London : Printed for Awnsham and John Churchil, at the Black-Swan in Pater-Noster Row, and Samuel Manship, at the Ship in Cornhill, near the Royal-Exchange, 1700.

Rare fourth edition of this fundamental work in the history of Western thought, the first to name Locke as the author and include the frontispiece portrait of him. Folio, bound in in full speckled calf with gilt titles and tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, gilt turn-ins, engraved frontispiece portraitContinue reading "An Essay Concerning Humane Understanding: In Four Books."

Dryden, John

Fables Ancient and Modern; Translated into Verse, From Homer, Ovid, Boccace, & Chaucer: With Original Poems.

London : Jacob Tonson, 1700.

First edition of this collection of fables with nearly 12,000 verses translated or paraphrased from various including Homer, Chaucer and Ovid. Quarto, bound in contemporary calf Cambridge binding, tooled and lettered in gilt on spine, raised bands. In very good condition.

The Book of Common Prayer, and Administration of the Sacraments, and other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church. According to the Use of the Church of England. Together with the Psalter or Psalms of David, Pointed as they are to be sung or said in Churches: And the Form and Manner of Making, Ordaining, and Consecrating of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons.

Oxford : Printed by the University Printers, 1701.

Rare early 18th century Book of Common Prayer in a royal binding bearing the ciphers of Queen Anne. Folio, bound in full contemporary green calf with gilt royal ciphers of Queen Anne to the spine in seven compartments within raised gilt bands, rebacked, gilt paneling and scrolling to the front and rear panels with royalContinue reading "The Book of Common Prayer, and Administration of the Sacraments, and other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church. According to the Use of the Church of England. Together with the Psalter or Psalms of David, Pointed as they are to be sung or said in Churches: And the Form and Manner of Making, Ordaining, and Consecrating of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons."

Illustrated by Romeyn De Hooghe

Biblia, Dat is, De gantsche H. Schriftuure vervattende alle de Boeken des Ouden ende Nieuwen Testaments; Nu Van nieuws uyt D.M. Luthers Hoogduitse Bybel in onze Nederlandsche Taale getrouwelyk overgezet, Tot dienst van de Christelyke Gemeynten, d’Onveranderde Augsburgsche Confessie toegedaan in deeze Nederlanden. [Biblia Neerlandica].

Amsterdam : Jacob Lindenberg, 1702.

Rare early 18th century Dutch Luther Bible illustrated with exquisite engravings by renowned Dutch Baroque artist Romeyn de Hooghe. Folio, original full calf with ruling and central motifs to the panels stamped in blind, brass cornerpieces and clasps, illustrated with engravings including frontispiece portrait of Martin Luther, pictorial title page, portrait of Henricus Vos. Amstelodamensis,Continue reading "Biblia, Dat is, De gantsche H. Schriftuure vervattende alle de Boeken des Ouden ende Nieuwen Testaments; Nu Van nieuws uyt D.M. Luthers Hoogduitse Bybel in onze Nederlandsche Taale getrouwelyk overgezet, Tot dienst van de Christelyke Gemeynten, d’Onveranderde Augsburgsche Confessie toegedaan in deeze Nederlanden. [Biblia Neerlandica]."

Confucius

The Morals of Confucius, A Chinese Philosopher.

London : T. Horne, 1706.

Rare second edition in English of The Morals of Confucius. Small octavo, bound in full contemporary sheep contemporary sheep. In very good condition, toning to the extremities.

Strabonis

Strabonis Geographia cum notis Casauboni et aliorum.

: Amstelaedami; Joannem Wolters, 1707.

Folio, bound in half morocco over cloth, gilt titles to the spine, raised bands. In very good condition.

Herodotus; Translated by Isaac Littlebury

The History of Herodotus. Translated from the Greek. By Isaac Littlebury.

London : Printed for Edward Castle and Sam Buckley, 1709.

First complete edition in English of Littlebury’s translation of the histories of Herodotus, also the first appearance in English since Thomas Marshe’s 1584 incomplete translation of only the first two books. Octavo, two volumes. Bound in full contemporary calf with gilt titles and tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised bands, red moroccoContinue reading "The History of Herodotus. Translated from the Greek. By Isaac Littlebury."