Calvin, John. Translated from the French by Thomas Stocker

Two and twentie Sermons of Maister John Calvin. In which Sermons is most religiously handled, the hundredth and nineteenth Psalme of David, by eight verses aparte according to the Hebrewe alphabet.

London : [Printed by Thomas Dawson] For John Harison and Thomas Man, 1580.

Scarce first edition in English of this collection of John Calvin’s sermons. Octavo, bound in full levant morocco with gilt tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, morocco spine label lettered in gilt, double gilt ruling and central gilt arabesques to the front and rear panels, gilt turn-ins, wide typographical borderContinue reading "Two and twentie Sermons of Maister John Calvin. In which Sermons is most religiously handled, the hundredth and nineteenth Psalme of David, by eight verses aparte according to the Hebrewe alphabet."

Hund, Wiguleus

Metropolis Salisburgensis.

Ingolstadt : David Sartor, 1582.

First edition of this important work on Bavaria and northern Italy, covering the history of churches and monasteries in that region including Freising, Regensburg, Passau and Brixen. Adams H-1161. Folio, bound in contemporary vellum using a manuscript leaf, 168 leaves. Woodcut vignette on title. In excellent condition with some soiling and browning.

Foxe, John

Acts and Monuments of matters of most speciall and memorable happenyng in the Church, with an Universall history of the same…Newly revised and recognized. [Foxe’s Book of Martyrs].

London : John Daye, 1583.

Fourth edition of Foxe’s Book of Martyrs (as it was later known), and the last to be published in his lifetime. The first English edition was published in 1563. Folio, 2 volumes bound into one in full near contemporary full brown calf over beveled boards elaborately stamped and paneled in blind, rebacked, seven raised bandsContinue reading "Acts and Monuments of matters of most speciall and memorable happenyng in the Church, with an Universall history of the same…Newly revised and recognized. [Foxe’s Book of Martyrs]."

Machiavelli, Niccolò

Discorsi Di Nicolo Machiavelli Pra La Prima Deca Di Tito Livio [bound with] Il Prencipe di Nicolo Machiavelli. [Machiavelli’s Discourses bound with The Prince].

Palermo : Apresso gli heredi d'Antoniello degli Antonielli , 1584 [London: John Wolfe].

Rare 16th century printing of John Wolfe’s famed fictitious Italian editions of Machiavelli’s fundamental works of political history and philosophy. Octavo, elaborately bound in full crushed morocco with gilt titles and tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, double gilt ruling and central motifs to the front and rear panels, giltContinue reading "Discorsi Di Nicolo Machiavelli Pra La Prima Deca Di Tito Livio [bound with] Il Prencipe di Nicolo Machiavelli. [Machiavelli’s Discourses bound with The Prince]."

Holinshed, Raphael

The First and Second Volumes of Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland With: The Third volume of Chronicles, beginning at Duke William the Norman [Holinshed Chronicles].

London : John Harrison, George Bishop, Rafe Newberie, Henrie Denham, and Thomas Woodcocke, 1587.

Preferred second edition of the greatest Elizabethan repository of English history which served as an important source for Shakespeare’s plays. Folios, 3 volumes bound into 2, bound in full calf, gilt titles and tooling to the spine, raised bands, red morocco spine labels, gilt ruled, woodcut initials and title pages. Separate title pages and pagination forContinue reading "The First and Second Volumes of Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland With: The Third volume of Chronicles, beginning at Duke William the Norman [Holinshed Chronicles]."

Aristotle

Politiques, or Discourses of Government.

London : Adam Islip, 1598.

Rare first edition in English of one of the world’s most important and influential political texts, “the most valuable work on that branch of philosophy that has descended to us from antiquity.” Small folio, bound in full leather, gilt titles and tooling to the spine, front and rear panels. In near fine condition, bookplate, smallContinue reading "Politiques, or Discourses of Government."

[The Bible. Translated according to the Ebrew and Greeke].

London : Robert Barker, 1605.

Rare early 17th century printing of Robert Barker’s Geneva Bible. Small quarto, bound in three quarter calf over marbled boards, morocco spine label lettered in gilt, text in black letter, double column, lacking general title-page, New Testament title-page with woodcut border, Concordances and Psalms bound in at rear [Herbert 280]. Period family ownership inscriptions andContinue reading "[The Bible. Translated according to the Ebrew and Greeke]."

Cervantes Saavedra, Miguel de

El Ingenioso hidalgo Don Quixote de la Mancha. Segunda Parte del Ingenioso Cavallero Don Quixote de la Mancha.

Madrid : Por Juan de La Cuesta, vendese en casa de Francisco de Robles, librero del Rey, 1608-1615.

Exceedingly rare and spectacular 17th century editions of both volumes of Cervantes’ prized work, the remarkable Beilby Thompson-Maggs-Ortiz Linares copy with a shared provenance spanning over 320 years, this is among the oldest known sets of both parts paired and uniformly bound in the 18th century, comprising one of the most desirable pairings of theContinue reading "El Ingenioso hidalgo Don Quixote de la Mancha. Segunda Parte del Ingenioso Cavallero Don Quixote de la Mancha."

Saint Augustine

Of the Citie of God: With the Learned Comments of Jo. Lod. Vives.

London : George Eld, 1610.

First edition in English of Augustine’s monumental work. Translated by John Healey. Folio, bound in full contemporary English panelled calf with gilt titles to the spine in six compartments within raised bands, central ornament tooled in gold to the front and rear panels, rebacked. Decorative woodcut head-pieces and decorative and woodcut initials, including three twelve-lineContinue reading "Of the Citie of God: With the Learned Comments of Jo. Lod. Vives."

Foxe, John

[Foxe’s Book of Martyrs]. Actes And Monuments Of Matters Most Speciall And Memorable, Happening in the Church, with an Universall Historie of the Same.

London : Printed for the Company of Stationers [Henry Lownes], 1610.

Rare sixth edition of Foxe’s Book of Martyrs (as it was later known), a foundational text for English Protestant identity first published in 1563. Under Elizabeth I, copies of this work were placed in cathedrals alongside the Bible, and the dedication at front (to Elizabeth) includes a large woodcut initial depicting Queen Elizabeth on theContinue reading "[Foxe’s Book of Martyrs]. Actes And Monuments Of Matters Most Speciall And Memorable, Happening in the Church, with an Universall Historie of the Same."

Saint Augustine

Of the Citie of God: With the Learned Comments of Jo. Lod. Vives. [The City of God].

London : George Eld, 1610.

Rare first edition in English of Augustine’s monumental work. Translated by John Healey. Folio, bound in full brown calf, gilt titles to the spine, morocco spine label, raised bands. Large woodcut printer’s device on title (McKerrow 375). Decorative woodcut head-pieces and decorative and woodcut initials, including three twelve-line initials. In very good condition, ownership signatureContinue reading "Of the Citie of God: With the Learned Comments of Jo. Lod. Vives. [The City of God]."

Norton, Thomas. [John Calvin]

The Institution Of Christian Religion, Written In Latin By M. John Calvine, Translated Into English According To The Authors Last Edition; With Sundry Tables To Finde The Principall Matters Intreated Of In This Booke.

London : John Norton, 1611.

Rare 1611 edition of Calvin’s seminal work on systematic theology, regarded as one of the most influential works of Protestant theology. Quarto, bound in three quarter calf with five raised bands to the spine, elaborate architectural borders to the title page, woodcut headpieces and tailpieces. In good condition. Upper portion of title page removed.

Philip III, King of Spain

Carta Executoria of King Philip III of Spain for Juan and Alonso de Rivera de la Cerda.

Valladolid, Spain 1612.

Rare 17th century elaborately illuminated nobility patent of King Philip III of Spain for the brothers Juan and Alonso de Rivera de la Cerda. Quarto, bound in full leather with gilt detailing, the patent is comprised of 100 leaves numbered 1-99 in contemporary Arabic numerals, written in round Spanish script within a frame ruled inContinue reading "Carta Executoria of King Philip III of Spain for Juan and Alonso de Rivera de la Cerda."

The Holy Bible, Conteining the Old Testament and the New. Newly Translated out ot the Originall Tongues: and with the former Translation diligently compared and revised By his Majesties Special commandement. Appointed to be read in Churches.

Imprinted at London : Robert Barker, Printer to the Kings most Excellent Majestie, 1613 [-1612].

Exceptionally rare 1613 printing of Robert Barker’s Geneva Bible. Quarto, bound in full contemporary calf with elaborate gilt decorations to the spine in six compartments within raised bands, gilt ruling and panelling to the front and rear panels with flueron cornerpieces, gilt turn-ins, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt, ribbon bound in. Two title pages withinContinue reading "The Holy Bible, Conteining the Old Testament and the New. Newly Translated out ot the Originall Tongues: and with the former Translation diligently compared and revised By his Majesties Special commandement. Appointed to be read in Churches."

[Bible]

[The King James “She” Bible]. The Holy Bible: Conteyning the Old Testament, and the New: Newly translated out of the Originall Tongues: and with the former Translations diligently compared and reuised by his Maiesties speciall Comandement. Appointed to be Read in Churches.

London : Robert Barker, Printer to the Kings Most Excellent Majestie, 1613.

Rare 1613 folio edition of the great King James “She” Bible”, “the true 1613 folio edition of King James’ Bible; easily distinguishable from the other large folio editions by its smaller type… The preliminary leaves are set up as in the other large folio editions, but the text is printed in smaller type with 72 instead of 59 lines to the full column” (Herbert; DarlowContinue reading "[The King James “She” Bible]. The Holy Bible: Conteyning the Old Testament, and the New: Newly translated out of the Originall Tongues: and with the former Translations diligently compared and reuised by his Maiesties speciall Comandement. Appointed to be Read in Churches."

Kepler, Johannes

Ioannis Keppleri Mathematici, Ad Epistolam Sethi Calvisij Chronologi Responsio. Qua Perversi Sensus Verborum Euangelistae Criman Dilutiur, & in Authorem Retorquetur. [Johannes Kepler Mathematician, Response to the Letter of the Chronologist Sethus Calvisius. In Which the Accusation of a Distorted Meaning of the Words of the Gospel is Dispelled and Turned Back Upon the Author.]

Frankfurt : At the press of Godofredus Tampachius, Printed by Erasmus Kempffer, 1614.

Rare first edition of this treatise concerning the Gregorian calendar’s important dates in religious history. Octavo, limp paper boards, decorated with woodcut ornaments. In very good condition with toning and chipping. From the library of professor, astronomer, historian and bibliophile Owen Gingerich.

Carrera, Pietro

Il Gioco De Gli Scacchi Di D. Pietro Carrera Diviso in Otto Libri. (The Game of Chess).

Militello : Giovanni de' Rossi, 1617.

Rare first edition of one of the early chess manuals, and the first book printed in Militello at Prince Francesco Branciforte’s private press. Octavo, bound in full contemporary vellum with ink titles to the spine, large engraving of the Branciforte coat of arms opposite the dedication page, woodcut illustrations throughout the text. In near fine condition.Continue reading "Il Gioco De Gli Scacchi Di D. Pietro Carrera Diviso in Otto Libri. (The Game of Chess)."

Cervantes Saavedra, Miguel de

The History of Don-Quixote. The First Parte. The Second Part of the History of the Valorous and Witty Knight-Errant, Don Quixote of the Mancha. Written in Spanish by Michael Cervantes: and now translated into English.

London : Edward Blount, 1620.

Exceedingly rare first complete edition in English of Cervantes’ masterpiece comprising the second edition of the first part and the first edition of the second part. Octavo, 2 volumes bound in full 19th century calf, engraved title in each volume. Translated from the original Spanish by Thomas Shelton whose first English translation published in 1612 was the first translation in any languageContinue reading "The History of Don-Quixote. The First Parte. The Second Part of the History of the Valorous and Witty Knight-Errant, Don Quixote of the Mancha. Written in Spanish by Michael Cervantes: and now translated into English."

Cervantes, Miguel De

The First Part of the Life and Achievements of the Renowned Don Quixote de la Mancha.

London : By William Stansby For Ed: Blounte, 1620.

Rare second edition of the first part of Don Quixote in English. Octavo, bound in contemporary calf, engraved title page, woodcut headpieces and decorative initials. In very good condition with some wear to the binding, portion of upper spine. Translated by Thomas Shelton. Exceptionally rare and desirable.

Cervantes Saavedra, Miguel de

The History of Don-Quixote. The First Parte. The Second Part of the History of the Valorous and Witty Knight-Errant, Don Quixote of the Mancha. Written in Spanish by Michael Cervantes: and now translated into English.

London : Edward Blount, 1620.

Exceedingly rare first complete edition in English of Cervantes’ masterpiece comprising the second edition of the first part and the first edition of the second part. Small octavo, 2 volumes bound in full calf with red morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, gilt turn-ins, frontispiece portrait of the author to Vol. I, engraved headpieces, tailpieces and initials. Translated from the original SpanishContinue reading "The History of Don-Quixote. The First Parte. The Second Part of the History of the Valorous and Witty Knight-Errant, Don Quixote of the Mancha. Written in Spanish by Michael Cervantes: and now translated into English."

de'Medici, Cosimo II

Statuti dell’Ordine De’ Cavalieri di S.to Stefano.

Florence : Pietro Cecconcelli, 1620.

Rare early 17th century printing of the Statutes of the The Order of Saint Stephen; founded by Cosimo I de’ Medici in 1561. Octavo, bound in full contemporary vellum, engraved title page by Jacques Callot, engraved portrait of Cosimo II de Medici, printer’s woodcut vignette on colophon, woodcut initials. From the library of Italian editor andContinue reading "Statuti dell’Ordine De’ Cavalieri di S.to Stefano."

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."

Cervantes Saavedra, Miguel de

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

London : Printed for Edward Blount, 1620.

First edition of the second part of Cervantes’ masterpiece in English. Oblong duodecimo, bound in half leather over marbled boards with gilt titles and tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised bands, black and green morocco spine labels. In near fine condition, lacking the engraved title with several words faintly missing on p.Continue reading "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."