Gifts - For Him

Verne, Jules

Jules Verne Autograph Letter Signed.

Amiens 12 July, [no year].

Rare autographed letter signed by the father of science fiction Jules Verne. One page in French, 32mo, addressed “Cher Monsieur,” the letter reads in full (translated), “Amiens, July 12, I was absent when your letter arrived here. I am delighted you are happy with your business and that your French purchases are the most likedContinue reading "Jules Verne Autograph Letter Signed."

Garfield, James A

James A. Garfield Autograph Signature.

19th c.

Rare 19th century autograph inscription from James A. Garfield, boldly signed in ink, “Very truly yours J.A. Garfield.” In near fine condition with an antiquarian smudge to the writing above the inscription. Double-matted and framed with a large portrait of Garfield and an informational placard. The piece measures 28.25 inches by 18 inches.

[Reeves, James H.]; Ferdinand Foch

Brigadier General James H. Reeves WWI Awards and Appointment Collection.

20th c..

Rare collection of WWI memorabilia with regard to Commander of the 353rd United States infantry regiment (89th division), Brigadier General James H. Reeves. The collection includes: From the Government of the French Republic, a large photographic print of General Reeves, inscribed to him by General Ferdinand Foch, “Together with their valor it is this disciplineContinue reading "Brigadier General James H. Reeves WWI Awards and Appointment Collection."

Biblia Cum Concordantiis Veteris et Novi Testamenti. [The Bible with Concordances of the Old and New Testaments]. [Jerome’s Latin Vulgate].

[Lugundi] : [Jacobum Mareschal], 1527.

Rare 16th century printed seminary copy of Jerome’s Latin Vulgate. Folio, bound in full elaborately blind-stamped vellum with remains of iron clasps, all edges red, finely printed in gothic letter, title printed in red and black within woodcut borders, numerous woodcuts and woodcut initials, title and a few woodcuts hand-colored. With a Seminary library catalogContinue reading "Biblia Cum Concordantiis Veteris et Novi Testamenti. [The Bible with Concordances of the Old and New Testaments]. [Jerome’s Latin Vulgate]."

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."

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]."

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."

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)."

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."

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]."

[Hondius, Jodocus]

Terra Sancta quae in Sacris Terra Promissionis olim Palestina [Holy Land Map].

Amsterdam : Blaeu, Willem, 1629.

Copper engraved, hand-colored map of one of the most decorative maps of the Holy Land of the 17th century. One page with hand-colored borders, the map depicts the tribes of Israel and the route the Israelites took from Egypt through Sinai into Canaan. In the sea there are three sea monsters, one of which hasContinue reading "Terra Sancta quae in Sacris Terra Promissionis olim Palestina [Holy Land Map]."

[Hondius, Jodocus]

Terra Sancta quae in Sacris Terra Promissionis olim Palestina [Holy Land Map]

Amsterdam : Blaeu, W, 1634.

Copper engraved, hand-colored map of one of the most decorative maps of the Holy Land of the 17th century. One page with hand-colored borders, the map depicts the tribes of Israel and the route the Israelites took from Egypt through Sinai into Canaan. In the sea there are three sea monsters, one of which hasContinue reading "Terra Sancta quae in Sacris Terra Promissionis olim Palestina [Holy Land Map]"

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."

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.

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."

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."

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."

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

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."

Swift, Jonathan

Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World. In Four Parts. By Lemuel Gulliver, first Surgeon, and then Captain of Several Ships. [Gulliver’s Travels].

London : Benjamin Motte, 1726.

First editions of Jonathan Swift’s masterpiece, Gulliver’s Travels. Octavo, two volumes, bound in three quarters contemporary calf over marbled boards, engraved frontispiece of Lemuel Gulliver, woodcut initials, five engraved maps, gilt titles to the spine. In near fine condition. Housed in a custom cloth slipcase. Bookplate to the pastedown and period ownership signature to eachContinue reading "Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World. In Four Parts. By Lemuel Gulliver, first Surgeon, and then Captain of Several Ships. [Gulliver’s Travels]."

Newton, Sir Isaac

The Chronology of Ancient Kingdoms Amended.

London : Printed for J. Tonson in the Strand, and J. Osborn and T. Longman in Pater-noster Row, 1728.

First edition of Newton’s ambitious attempt to reconstruct and rationalize the timelines of ancient history. Quarto, bound in full contemporary Cambridge calf, ruled and tooled in blind with speckled panels, gilt turn-ins, ordinary paper issue, illustrated with 3 folding engravings. From the library of Harvard University professor Owen Gingerich. Owen Gingerich (1930–2023) was an AmericanContinue reading "The Chronology of Ancient Kingdoms Amended."

Du Fresne, Rafaelle. [Leonardo Da Vinci]

Trattato Della Pittura Di Lionardo Da Vinci Nuovamente Dato In Luce, Colla Vita Dell’ Istesso Autore, Scritta Da Rafaelle Du Fresne. Si sono giunti i tre libri della Pittura, ed il trattato della Statua di Leon Battista Alberti, colla vita del medesimo, E di nuovo ristampato, corretto, ed a maggior perfezione concotto.

In Parigi ed in Napoli : Giacomo Langlois ed Francesco Ricciardo a spese di Niccola, e Vicenzo Rispoli, 1733.

Rare third augmented edition of the preferred work in Italian of da Vinci’s work on painting. Folio, bound in stiff paper wrappers, illustrated with text engravings throughout, with two full-paged portraits of da Vinci and Alberti, lacking the final two text leaves: H1 & H2. The true date of the Parisian edition, as in allContinue reading "Trattato Della Pittura Di Lionardo Da Vinci Nuovamente Dato In Luce, Colla Vita Dell’ Istesso Autore, Scritta Da Rafaelle Du Fresne. Si sono giunti i tre libri della Pittura, ed il trattato della Statua di Leon Battista Alberti, colla vita del medesimo, E di nuovo ristampato, corretto, ed a maggior perfezione concotto."