[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."

Care, Henry

English Liberties: Or, The Free-Born Subject’s Inheritance.

London : Printed by G. Larkin, for Benjamin Harris at the Stationers Arms and Anchoy in the Piazza under the Royal Exchange, 1680.

First edition of one of the very first law books printed in colonial America, contains the first American printing of Magna Carta and other fundamental documents of individual liberty in Anglo-American law. Small octavo, contemporary calf. In excellent condition, with light wear to the crown of the spine. Auction records show that there has not beenContinue reading "English Liberties: Or, The Free-Born Subject’s Inheritance."

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."

Hathorne, John; Bartholomew Gedney; Benjamin Gerrish

Salem Witch Trials Manuscript Land Deed Signed By Colonial Massachusetts Magistrates John Hathorne and Bartholomew Gedney.

Salem, MA 1682.

Rare original manuscript land deed signed by colonial Massachusetts magistrates John Hathorne and Bartholomew Gedney of the Salem Witch Trials. Oblong octavo, one page, dated March 9, 1682/3 and entering the Salem record books on April 3rd 1684, manuscript document in the hand of Recorder Bartholomew Gedney, for the certified transfer of land between BenjaminContinue reading "Salem Witch Trials Manuscript Land Deed Signed By Colonial Massachusetts Magistrates John Hathorne and Bartholomew Gedney."

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."

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."

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)."

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.

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."

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.

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."

Confucius

La Morale De Confucius, Philosophe De La Chine.

Amsterdam : Pierre Savouret, 1688.

Rare first edition of The Morals of Confucius preceding the English translation, regarded as the first work which introduced readers to Confucianism. Small octavo, bound in half vellum over marbled boards. In near fine condition. An exceptional example, scarce and desirable with only three examples appearing at auction in the last 90 years.

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

London : Printed for Awnsham Churchill, 1690.

Exceptionally rare first edition published at the end of 1689 in an edition of likely only 1,000 copies (with quire Q in second, of two, settings. Octavo, bound in full calf, morocco spine label, gilt tooling to the spine, blind stamped to the front and rear panels. Title-page within double rule. In very good condition.Continue reading "Two Treatises of Government: In the Former, The False Principles, and Foundation of Sir Robert Filmer, And His Followers, Are Detected and Overthrown"

Locke, John

Second Letter Concerning Toleration and A Third Letter for Toleration.

London : Awnsham and John Churchill, 1690, 1692.

First editions of both volumes of Locke’s Second and Third Letter Concerning Toleration. Two volumes bound in one. Octavo, contemporary calf, rebacked. In excellent condition with the text clean contents clean, except for light browning, rebacked. From the library of James Stonhouse with his signatures and armorial bookplate. Exceptionally rare.

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."

Act of Parliament for Erecting the Bank in Scotland.

Edinburgh : [Royal Bank of Scotland] , 1695-1719.

Rare 17th century printing of the Act of the Scottish Parliament erecting the Bank of Scotland. Octavo, original wrappers, the act is dated July 17, 1695 and approved a joint stock amounting to the sum of 120,000 pounds to be raised by a company thereby established to manage the first public bank of Scotland. BoundContinue reading "Act of Parliament for Erecting the Bank in Scotland."

Cary, John

An Essay, on the Coyn and Credit of England: As They Stand with Respect to Its Trade.

London : Printed by Will. Bonny, and sold by the booksellers of London and Bristol, 1696.

First edition of this work by Cary, a pioneer in the field of economics. Small octavo, bound in full contemporary calf, raised bands, gilt titles and tooling to the spine, marbled endpapers. In very good condition. Rare with no examples appearing at auction in the last eighty years.

Milton, John

The Works of Mr. John Milton.

London : n.p, 1697.

First collected edition of Milton’s prose works, including his timeless Areopagitica, which would become “the first Milton book published in America (1774).” Folio, bound in full paneled calf, first two spine compartments repaired, all edges speckled red, title page printed within double rule border and with woodcut device, this copy with the final blank 4C4Continue reading "The Works of Mr. John Milton."