Heading:
Author: Elyot, Thomas
Title: The boke named the Gouernour deuised by sir Thomas Elyot knyght
Place Published: Londoni
Publisher:[Imprinted at London in Flete strete, in the House of Thomas Berthelet]
Date Published: 1553
Description:

[7 (of 8)], 215 (of 216) leaves. (8vo) 14x9.5 cm (5½x3¾"), early vellum, rebacked with later vellum.

An early printing of this notable treatise on moral philosophy, intended to direct the education of those destined to fill high positions, and to inculcate those moral principles which alone could fit them for the performance of their duties. It was first published in 1531, with a number of other 16th century editions. The present copy lacks the title page (with a rather crude facsimile bound in its place) and also the final leaf (with a photocopy of the recto of that leaf laid in - the colophon, on its verso, is thus not shown). This copy has f.91 incorrectly numbered 19, and f.103 numbered 102, which seems to suggest the 1553 date on the facsimile title page is correct, according to auction records. It is at least, with little doubt, a 16th century printing. There are several instances of early ink marginalia.

Binding rubbed and darkened; some mostly marginal staining to leaves, occasional marginal worming and a few short tears to leaves; good condition.