A Letter from a Gentleman of the Lord Ambassador Howard's Retinue, to His Friend in London: Dated at Fez, Nov. 1. 1669 Wherein He Gives a Full Relation of the Most Remarkable Passages in Their Voyage Thither, and of the Present State of the Countries Under the Power of Taffaletta, Emperour of Morocco; with a Brief Account F the Merchandizing Commodities of Africa; As Also the Manners and Customs of the People There

London, Moses Pitt, 1670. First Edition. Hardcover. Small quarto (5-1/4" x 7") bound in 19th Century 3/4 calf leather with gilt-lettered and decorated spine, housed in a modern cloth clamshell box with a gilt-lettered spine label; 36 pages. WING L61. "Henry Howard, Sixth Duke of Norfolk, went out to Morocco as Ambassador in 1669. The writer gives an interesting account of the voyage to Tangiers, of a great storm they experienced and of seeing a water-spout, also of seeing a Hamburg merchantman chased by a Turkish pirate. Then follows an account of Tangiers and of the Massacre of Andrew Rutherford, Lord Teviot and six hundred English soldiers who had gone to cut wood about three miles from the city, in 1664. A long account is given of the journey to Fez, of the manners and customs of the people and of recent happenings in the country. At the close is a separate section on the Native Commodities of Africa" (MAGGS BROS Voyages and Travels Vol. 5. Part V. Catalogue #827). Bookplate on front pastedown of Rev. Henry Cunliffe, M.A. (1826-1894), Vicar of Shifnal, Shropshire. Part of his library was sold at Sotheby's, Wilkinson & Hodge in 1897. Small stains to title page; spine lightly chipped at tips, front joint partly split but covers tight. Very Good .

Charles AgventProfessional seller

Book number: 021502

Catalogue: Early Printed Books

Keywords: 17th Century, Travel, Morocco, Africa, Early Printed Books Early Printed Books Morocco Africa 17th Century

AGRICOLA, Georgius

De Re Metallica. Libri XII. Quibus Officia, Instrumenta, Machinae, Ac Omnia Denique Ad Metallicam Spectantia...

Basil, Ludovici Regis, 1621. Third Latin Edition. Hardcover. Folio (8" x 12-1/2") bound in library buckram; irregularly paginated: [10], 502, [58] pages. Illustrated with 270 woodcuts, many full and half page, some signed with the monogram "RMD," and generally attributed to Hans Rudolf Manuel Deutsch (fl.1525-1572) or, less commonly, Blasius Weffring. Previously published in 1556 and 1561, this edition seems scarcer than either of the previous. PRINTING & THE MIND OF MAN 79: "The first systematic treatise on mining and metallurgy and one of the first technological books of modern times." Herbert Hoover, who first translated this book into English, described this title in his autobiography as "the first important attempt to assemble systematically in print the world-knowledge on mining, metallurgy, and industrial chemistry. It was the great textbook of those industries for two centuries and had dominated thought and practice all that time. In many mining regions and camps, including the Spanish South America, it was chained to the church altar and translated by the priest to the miners between religious services." The book combines a profound technical and financial knowledge of mining with an underlying interest in the health and daily routine of mine workers. The woodcut impressions are strong and dark. Complete but for the two fold-out diagrams lacking. As customary with this title, there is browning throughout, occasionally heavy. Small piece of title page repaired with no loss of text or illustration; ink names of David Stuart dated 1771 and Joseph Robertson dated 1830 on title page. Library bookplate on front pastedown and small ink number on the title page illustration; no other library markings except for numbers on the spine. An important and richly illustrated title. Very Good in a serviceable binding .

Charles AgventProfessional seller

Book number: 014924

Catalogue: Early Printed Books

Keywords: Illustrated Books, Early Printed Books, Metallurgy, Science, Woodcuts, Mining, 17th Century Illustrated Books, PMM, Printing and the Mind of Man Early Printed Books Metallurgy Science 17th Century Illustrated Books

ARIOSTO, Lodovico

Orlando Furioso and I Cinque Canti

Venice, F. Valgrisi and N. Moretti, 1603. Early Printing. Hardcover. Large octavo (7" x 10") bound in early full vellum, [16] 654 [32] pages. The complete and corrected ORLANDO FURIOSO, with Ruscelli's dedication to the Duke of Ferrara dated 1556 and an account of the life of Ariosto by Battista Pigna. Illustrated with an engraved title page, 51 full-page woodcuts, ornamental headpieces, and initial letters. The woodcuts, within decorative borders, are after the designs of Dossa Dossi, the Ferrarese painter, and are printed from the blocks of the first Valgrisi quarto editon of 1556. Some of the impressions are weak, but most are quite presentable. Trimmed at the top close to the text and plate lines, affecting one line of text in the dedication; other margins quite adequate. Vellum soiled. Very Good or better First published in 1516, this classic Italian romantic epic influenced many later works including Spenser's THE FAERIE QUEENE and Shakespeare's MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING. The action takes place against the background of the war between Charlemagne and his Christian paladins and the Saracen army which is attempting to invade Europe. However, Ariosto has little concern for historical or geographical accuracy, and the poem wanders at will from Japan to the Hebrides, as well as including many fantastical and magical elements, such as a trip to the moon and an array of fantastical creatures including a gigantic sea monster called the orc and the hippogriff. The poem grew in popularity as well in size after Ariosto's death, increasing from 40 to 46 cantos in 1532 and finally to the finished form of 51 cantos.

Charles AgventProfessional seller

Book number: 004548

Catalogue: Early Printed Books

Keywords: Classics, Ariosto, Poetry, Early Printing, Early Printed Books Illustrated Books 17th Century Woodcuts Italian Literature

[BACON, Roger]

Frier Bacon His Discovery of the Miracles of Art, Nature, and Magick Faithfully translated out of Dr. Dees own Copy, by T. M

London, Simon Miller, 1659. First Edition. Hardcover. Small duodecimo (3-1/8" x 5-1/2") bound in early calf with gilt-ruled covers and gilt decoration and lettering on the spine; [xii], 51, [7 - ads] pages. First separate printing and First English Edition of Roger Bacon's letter to William of Paris that first appeared in Dee's BACON'S EPISTOLAE, published in Hamburg in 1618. Bacon begins this long essay denying the existence of magic, but concludes showing how to create a "Philosophers Egg." He writes about optics, gunpowder (Bacon is believed to have introduced gunpowder--a Chinese invention--to the West), and petroleum in warfare. Bacon makes some bold futurist statements such as “admirable Artificial Instruments” of locomotion (“It's possible to make a Chariot move with an inestimable swiftnesse and this motion to be without the help of any living creature”), of flight (“It's possible to make Engines for flying, a man sitting in the midst whereof, by turning onely about an Instrument, which moves artificiall Wings made to beat the Aire”), and diving (“A man may make an Engine, whereby without any corporal danger, he may walk in the bottome of the Sea, or other water”). Bookplate of Lord Northwick on front pastedown. Minor foxing, pencil notes on endpapers; small chip to head of spine. Near Fine and very scarce .

Charles AgventProfessional seller

Book number: 021560

Catalogue: Early Printed Books

Keywords: Magic, Early Printing, Early Printed Books, Science, Aviation, 17th Century, Warfare, Military Aviation Early Printed Books Science Magic

[BURTON, Robert] DEMOCRITUS JUNIOR

The Anatomy of Melancholy. What It Is. With All the Kinds Causes, Symptomes, Prognostickes, and Severall Cures of It. In Three Partitions, with Their Severall Sections, Members and Subsections. Philosophically, Medicinally, Historically Opened & Cut Up

London, Henry Cripps, 1628. Third Edition. Hardcover. Quarto (7-1/4" x 11") in early calf leather, the spine with 5 raised bands and a gilt-lettered burgundy morocco spine label. Text complete but for the colophon and errata leaf, unevenly paginated: [8], 79, 78-208. [4], 209-374, [2], 375-584, 583-646, [8, table], [2, errata with verso blank], [2, colophon with blank verso] pages; [3], *2, **2, a4-k4, &2, A4-Z4, Aa4-Zz4,Aaa4-Zzz4,Aaaa4-Oooo4. Third edition of Burton's important work and the first edition to contain the engraved title page by Christoffel Le Bron, illustrated with figures representing the effects of Melancholy from Love, Hypochondriasis, Superstition, and Solitude, which was used in numerous subsequent editions with changes only to the imprint. The First Psychiatric Encylopedia is divided into three sections. The first considers the nature, symptoms, and various causes of melancholy, ranging from God to witches and devils, poverty and imprisonment, parents and "overmuch study," "desire of revenge," or "overmuch use of hot wines." The second section discusses cures such as exercise and diet, purging, blood-letting, and potions. The third focuses on two particular types: love melancholy and religious melancholy. GARRISON-MORTON-NORMAN 4818.1; GROLIER, 100 ENGLISH, #18; HEIRS OF HIPPOCRATES 406; OSLER 4621: "A great medical treatise (the greatest ever written by a layman), orderly in arrangement, intensely serious in purpose, and weighty beyond belief with authorities .. the centuries have made Burton's book a permanent possession of literature"; PRINTING AND THE MIND OF MAN, 120, describing the first edition. The engraved title page with the old signature of Phil. Warricke. Large bookplate of William Harcourt Hooper on the front pastedown. The engraved title page has the small portrait of the author (in the persona of Democritus Junior) neatly removed and replaced with a headpiece identical to those used in the book. Small chip to one text page; small library stamp to front pastedown and sticker to verso of dedication leaf; generally clean with occasional stain; few pages at beginning and end splitting from binding. Joints split, covers held by cords; minor chipping to spine. Overall a Very Good example of this important book .

Charles AgventProfessional seller

Book number: 020456

Catalogue: Early Printed Books

Keywords: Philosphy, Rare, Religion, Early Printed Books, 17th Century, Early Medicine Early Printed Books 17th Century Philosophy Medicine

PEPYS Samuel (TANNER J. R. - Editor)

Pepys' Memoires of the Royal Navy 1679-1688

(Oxford), Clarendon Press, 1906. Facsimile Edition. Hardcover. Parchment over boards imitating vellum. Part of the Tudor and Stuart Library. Originally published in 1690, this edition has an introduction by Tanner. Light soiling to covers. Very Good .

Charles AgventProfessional seller

Book number: 020477

Catalogue: Early Printed Books

Keywords: Early Printed Books, Facsimiles, Maritime, Nautical, Navy, England Early Printed Books Nautical Facsimiles Literature: English

FLORUS, Lucius. LIVIUS, Titus [LIVY]

L. Flori Decadum XIIII. Titi LIVII Patavini. Epitome

Lugduni [Lyons], Apud Seb. Gryphium, 1554. Early Edition. Hardcover. Small octavo (2-7/8" x 5") in 19th century vellum-backed and cornered marbled boards, gilt-ruled spine, gilt-lettered morocco spine label, all edges gilt; woodcut on title page and two woodcut initials, all pages ruled in red; 112 pages; a-g8 h5. Adams, F 654. Part of Florus's work on Livy’s history of Rome. Lacks original endpapers and final two blanks; slight aging of text, faint water stains to margins of some pages at end. Near Fine .

Charles AgventProfessional seller

Book number: 020048

Catalogue: Early Printed Books

Keywords: Early Printed Books, 16th Century, Classics, Ancient Rome, Roman History, Latin Early Printed Books Classics 16th Century Ancient Rome

CHARPENTIER, (Francois) and LUCAS, Jean

Deffense de la Langue Francoise, Pour L'Inscription de L'Arc de Triomphe. Dedie'e Au Roy Bound with de Monumentis Publicis Latine Inscribendis Oratio...

Paris, Claude Barbin and Simon Benard, 1676 & 1677. First Edition. Hardcover. Small octavo (3-3/4" x 6-1/4") in calf; [xxxviii], 341, [17]; [xvi], 71pages. In the 1670s, there was a heated debate among Paris intellectuals concerning whether inscriptions for a proposed triumphal arch in honor of Louis XIV should be in Latin or French. In the first work the author, one of the first members of the Academy of Inscriptions, argues in favor of the use of French for the inscription. Lucas, in his work, argues for Latin to be used. In the end, the arguments were for naught. While there are four triumphal arches still standing in Paris, this particular arch was never constructed. Library stamp on title and first page of dedication, no other markings; binding a bit worn, spine chipped with partial loss of spine label. Good example of a scarce book .

Charles AgventProfessional seller

Book number: 020566

Catalogue: Early Printed Books

Keywords: Early Printed Books, 17th Century, French Language, France France Early Printed Books 17th Century

GRANGE, John

The Golden Aphroditis: A Pleasant Discourse, Penned by John Grange Gentleman, Student in the Common Lawe of Englande. Whereunto Be Annexed by the Same Authour Aswell Certayne Metres Upon Sundry Poyntes, As Also Divers Pamphlets, in Prose, Which He Entituleth His Garden: Pleasant to the Eare, and Delightful to the Reader, If He Abuse Not the Scente of the Floures

(New York), Scholars' Facsimiles & Reprints, [1939]. Facsimile Edition. Hardcover. Parchment over boards imitating vellum. "This facsimile was made from the original now owned by Dr. A.S.W. Rosenbach." Originally published in 1577. Near Fine .

Charles AgventProfessional seller

Book number: 020445

Catalogue: Early Printed Books

Keywords: Early Printed Books, Facsimiles Early Printed Books Early English Books Facsimiles Literature: English

[MANLEY, Sir Roger]

The Russian Impostor: Or, the History of Muskovie, Under the Usurpation of Boris and the Imposture of Demetrius, Late Emperors of Muskovy

London, by J[ames]. C[otrell]. for Thomas Basset, 1674. First Edition. Hardcover. Octavo (4-1/4" x 6-3/4") bound in 3/4 brown morocco leather and brown boards with a gilt-stamped spine; [1], 250 pages. Engraving on verso of title page; lacking the 12-page preface. Wing M75. An appendix was included in the Second Edition published in 1677 though retaining the 1674 date on the title page. The online ENCYCLOPÆDIA BRITANNICA gives the background on Manley's subject matter: "False Dmitry, also called Pseudo-demetrius, Russian Lzhedmitry, or Dmitry Samozvanets, any of three different pretenders to the Muscovite throne who, during the Time of Troubles (1598-1613), claimed to be Dmitry Ivanovich, the son of Tsar Ivan IV the Terrible (reigned 1533-1584) who had died mysteriously in 1591 while still a child." Leo Loewenson in THE SLAVONIC AND EAST EUROPEAN REVIEW states, "THE RUSSIAN IMPOSTOR is of course not a primary historical source in the sense in which such a classification is applicable to reports by foreign travellers. It is obviously a secondary work, i.e. the result of research. Not even the geographical description of Russia, with which the historical narrative is introduced, contains the slightest reason to assume that Manley had ever visited the country. Moreover apart from inconclusive remarks like that about the uncertainty still prevailing in Russia with regard to the identity of the Impostor there is also nothing to suggest that any information was derived from hearsay, But the lack of any value as a primary source does not deprive the work of great historiographical interest The fact that it is wholly based on research gives it a claim to being one of the earliest learned histories of Russia written in this country" (Vol. 31, No. 76 Dec. 1952; page 239). Title page darkened with some wear at the edges, rest of text just a tad darkened; preface lacking. Light rubbing to spine tips but binding Near Fine. Overall Very Good and uncommon .

Charles AgventProfessional seller

Book number: 019171

Catalogue: Early Printed Books

Keywords: 17th Century, Russia, Early Printed Books, Russian History Russian History Early Printed Books Russia 17th Century

OLIVIER, Jacques

Alphabet de L'Imperfection Et Malice Des Femmes. Reueu, Corrigé & Augmenté D'Vn Friant Dessert Pour Les Courtizans & Partisanes de la Femme Mondaine. Dédié à la Plus Mauuaise Du Monde

Paris, Petit-Pas, 1619. Third Edition. Hardcover. Duodecimo (3-1/8" x 5-1/4") bound in full 18th century calf with the insignia of Montgomery stamped in blind to the front board, recent gilt-lettered black morocco spine label; 360, 70, (23, [1]) pages. Contains the first issue of the "Portraict racourcy d'une femme mondaine pour le friant dessert des courtizans et partizans," with separate pagination. First appearing in 1617, this wildly misogynistic work caused quite a reaction in its day. The woodcut figure on the title-page is believed to represent Marguerite de Valois, to whom the work is dedicated ("la plus mauvaise du monde"), shown full-length with snakes for hair, suckling a cat on each breast, holding a headless chicken, and with talons for feet. "Jacques Olivier" was the pseudonym of the Cordelier Alexis Trousset. Brunet (IV-182) notes that all of the early editions are equally valued. OCLC locates 5 copies, 2 in the United States. Margins trimmed close occasionally affecting a running head or page number but not the text; small stain on two facing pages. Slight cracking to joints. Near Fine and scarce .

Charles AgventProfessional seller

Book number: 019170

Catalogue: Early Printed Books

Keywords: 17th Century, Women, Early Printed Books, Misogyny Misogyny Early Printed Books Women 17th Century

PLATTES, Gabriel

A Discovery of Infinite Treasure, Hidden Since the Worlds Beginning. Whereunto All Men, of What Degree Soever, Are Friendly Invited to Be Sharers with the Discoverer G. P

London, J[ohn] L[egat] to be sold by George Hutton, 1639. First Edition. Hardcover. Small quarto (5-1/8" x 7") in later polished blue morocco leather-backed boards; A4, a4, B-P4, Q2. [2, blank], 33, [1], 92, [1 errata], [1 blank] pages. Complete with the original first blank. Woodcut initials and head-pieces. An important early treatise on agriculture by one of the earliest advocates in England of an improved system of husbandry who devoted much time and money to practical experiments. Among his references are mention of the newly founded plantations in America and new agricultural machines. This copy has the cancel title page with "ver." in the Biblical quote and with the errata leaf. It is occasionally listed as a variant edition of his DISCOVERY OF SUBTERRANEALL TREASURE, but that is an error. Ferguson notes that this is a completely different work of "an original genius in husbandry who began his observations in the latter end of Queen Elizabeth's reign.. As great a genius as this writer was, the public allowed him to drop down dead in London streets with hunger only; nor had he a shirt upon his back when he died." Quite scarce. Small catalog sticker on spine, trimmed along fore-edge with minor loss to title page, some soiling, else Very Good STC 19998. Ferguson, II, 207-208 (not in Young Collection). Ferguson, Glasgow, II, 567. Wellcome I, 5100. Partington II, 103. Sotheran 907, 31. ESTC s114836. Neville II, 310. Not in Duveen, Hoover.

Charles AgventProfessional seller

Book number: 018365

Catalogue: Early Printed Books

Keywords: Agriculture , Early Printing, Americana, Science, Technology, Alchemy, Mining, Minerals, Occult, Economics, Farming Mining Agriculture Science Chemistry

PRYNNE, William

Canterburies Doome. Or the First Part of a Compleat History of the Commitment, Charge, Tryall, Condemnation, Execution of William Laud, Late Arch-Bishop of Canterbury. Containing the Severall Orders, Articles, Proceedings in Parliament Against Him, from His First Accusation Therein, Till His Tryall: Together with the Various Evidences and Proofs Produced Against Him at the Lords Bar, in Justification of the First Branch of the Commons Charge Against Him;... With His Severall Answers to Those Evidences, Proofs, and the Commons Reply Thereunto. Wherein This Arch-Prelates Manifold Trayterous Artifices to Usher in Popery by Degrees, Are Cleerly Detected, and the Ecclesiasticall History of Our Church-Affaires, During His Pontificall Domination, Faithfully Presented to the Publike View of the World

London, John Macock for Michael Spark senior, at the sign of the Blue Bible in Green Arbour, 1646. First Edition. Hardcover. Quarto (7-1/4" x 11") in contemporary calf leather with cloth string ties, the spine with 5 raised bands and a gilt-lettered black morocco spine label. Text complete with errata leaf, unevenly paginated: [22], 17-128, 131-134, 141-142, 151-154, 147-404, 408-409, 407-488, 491-565, [15] pages; [3], a-b4,C-L4, M6, N-R4, S2, V-Z4, Aa4-Zz4, Aaa4-Fff4, Ggg2, Hhh4-Mmm4, Nnn6, Ooo4-Ppp4, Qqq2, Rrr4-Zzz4, Aaaa4-Bbbb4, Cccc6, B2, C4, D1. Wing P3917. Engraved portrait of Laud, engraved portrait of Prynne, and full-page engraving on page 122, plus woodcut headpieces and initials. Lacking the frontispiece engraving of the room setup. William Prynne was a contentious Puritan attorney remembered for his numerous books and pamphlets and for his ability to antagonize others. He attacked the fashions of his day, railing against men for wearing long hair and women for wearing short hair. He wrote a book claiming stage plays were immoral at a time when the Queen was acting in a play. His action resulted in imprisonment and the loss of his ears. He blamed Laud, the King's religious advisor, as his chief nemesis and gathered evidence against him when Laud was accused of treason. Laud was executed in 1645 as a result, and Prynne was tasked with publishing this book, an account of the trial. Other than the frontispiece, often lacking, this is a complete copy in Near Fine condition with light browning of the text and occasional minor paper repairs .

Charles AgventProfessional seller

Book number: 020441

Catalogue: Early Printed Books

Keywords: Ancient History, Rare, Religion, Early Printed Books, 17th Century, English History Early Printed Books 17th Century English History Religion

SCHOTT, Gaspar

Physica Curiosa, Sive Mirabilia Naturae Et Artis Libris XII Comprehensa

Herbipoli (Wurzburg), 1697. Hardcover. Two quarto (7" x 8-5/8") volumes bound in contemporary vellum with titles in ink on the spines; [xl], 676; [677]-1389 [21] pages. With the half-title page, engraved title page, and 60 engraved plates, 6 of them folding. Considered to be one of Schott’s most comprehensive works, with in-depth discussions on angels, demons, witchcraft, satyrs, as well as animals and physical deformities in human beings. Striking plates including many depicting imagined beings. Browning throughout both volumes, mostly affecting the text only in the first volume but to the plates as well in the second. Circular spot about the size of a silver dollar on the front cover of the first volume where the vellum is lacking; otherwise, the binding is in very good shape. Overall, Very Good Gaspar Schott (1608-1666) joined the Society of Jesus in 1627 and began his studies at the University of Wurzburg. The 30-Years War forced him out of Germany, and he eventually traveled to Rome and worked with Athanasius Kircher, his most important mentor and model. Schott eventually returned to Germany and settled in Augsburg where he taught until his death. Schott was in communication with many natural philosophers of his day and was widely respected for his writings.

Charles AgventProfessional seller

Book number: 021602

Catalogue: Early Printed Books

Keywords: Early Printed Books, Illustrated Books, Witchcraft, Monsters, Witches, Science, Natural History Illustrated Books Science Witchcraft Early Printed Books