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BROWNE, THOMAS, Religio Medici [And:] Observations upon Religio Medici. Occasionally written by Sir Kenelme Digby, Knight.
London: Printed for Andrew Crooke, 1643. First Authorized Edition. 2 volumes bound in one vols., Small 8vo. Engraved title-page by William Marshall. Collation: A1 [Engraved title, verso blank], A6 [To those as have, or shall peruse ...], A7 [errata, verso blank], A1-2 [To the reader], A3-M7 [text], lacking M8 [blank]; A2 [title], A3-H8 [text], lacking A1 [blank]. Twentieth century tan calf red morocco spine label, borders and bands ruled in blind by Wallis. Engraved title with repair along gutter, some old traces of dampstaining along margins, paper armorial label on A3. Bookplate on front pastedown. Keynes 3; Wing B5169. ΒΆ Browne's first and most famous book, the first two printings of which (1642), both by Crooke, were apparently unauthorized ("most imperfectly and Surreptitiously printed") - although this authorized version was also printed by Crooke and used the famous engraved title by Marshall. Written in 1635, Browne claimed that it was not intended for publication but was "composed at leisurable hours for his private exercise and satisfaction", but since it was published without his consent, he felt obligated to authorize a "full and intended" copy. Without (as often) A2-A5 of the first quire, which was, according to Keynes, printed later and only inserted in a portion of the issue. "In many copies, otherwise complete, these [...] leaves are not to be found at all ... Copies lacking these leaves are consequently not necessarily 'imperfect'" - Keynes. Leaf A7, here present, is the errata leaf. The small oval paper ownership ticket on the first page of text bears the motto "From fire water & famine preservd by Providence" around a crest
Offered for US$ 3500.00 by: James Cummins Bookseller - Book number: 237422