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Lot 329C

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Wither (George) A Collection of Emblemes

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4 parts in 1, first edition, "A Preposition to this Frontispiece" leaf present but with very small rust-hole affecting one letter, fine additional engraved title by William Marshall slightly trimmed at upper edge, engraved portrait of Wither by John Payne on verso of A3, 200 engraved emblematic illustrations by Crispijn van de Passe, leaf with 2 woodcut dials at end with some repairs and with pointers in later facsimile, some soiling and occasional light water-staining, Z1 torn but sense of text unaffected, Mm2 and a few other leaves with slight defects or repairs, occasionally slightly affecting text, title slightly narrower than other leaves at outer edge and a few leaves towards end remargined (possibly supplied from other copies), a few ink scribbles, generally a very good copy, 18th century panelled sheep, rebacked and corners repaired, small patch of wear to upper cover, [Grolier 1038; STC 24900; Praz p.538], folio, by A.M. for John Grismond, 1635-34.

***Rarely found complete. Charles Lamb considered this work to be one of the most curious books in the English language. The illustrated literature of England during the 16th and greater part of the 17th centuries is almost exclusively represented by emblem books, in which art, literature, amusement and moral instruction were blended together; Wither's work is amongst the greatest and most important of such works. The "Lotteries", which appear after each section of emblems, were included to enhance the appeal of the book, and although it concerned the poet that such "fortune-telling" did not sit well with a man of his gravitas and maturity, he satisfied himself that they were harmless; the woodcut leaf at end, which is often missing, is intended as a guide for those so inclined to "find out their Chance" by turning the pointers to ascertain which "Lot" in the Lotteries to consult..

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