SAMUEL PEPYS

AUTOGRAPH 1884 DEVINNE PRESS EDITION OF PEPYS DIARY784. SAMUEL PEPYS (1633-1703). Called the "Father of the British Navy," member of the cabinet of King Charles II. Most noted for the very detailed diary he kept between the years 1660-69, when he witnessed the great plague of London, the great London fire, the triumphal return of Charles II to power and the quashing of the Poppish plot. Offered is a 10-volume set of his diary, 1884, New York, Devinne, Dodd, Mead & Co., large octavo, plates throughout, handsome condition. Bound with three-quarter brown morocco with raised bands, gilt spines, small chip to head of one volume, the hinges on Vol. I have been expertly rebacked, internally clean. This set is notable for several reasons: 1) Autograph edition with an authentic DS by Pepys. 2) Very rare set. Extremely limited edition. Not at auction in the last 15 years. The only similar copy is a set of the diary from 1875-79 that sold in 1992 for $2,500, however, that set did not have the inlaid manuscript signed by Pepys. 3) Famous Devinne Press edition. Theodore L. Devinne was New York City's best and most noble printer of the late 19th century. DS, Aug 9, 1670. To Mr. Edward Gregory, Clerke of the Checque of his Majesty's yard at Chatham. A warrant for enlisting men on a naval vessel. Boldly signed by Pepys, SIR JOHN MENNES, Vice Admiral and comptroller of the Navy, and THOMAS SMITH, secretary of the Admiralty. In full, "These are to pray and require you to enter on board his Majesty's shipp, the Newcastle, as fast as the Master Attendant shall signifie to you in writing under his hand the said shipp's readiness to employ them and her want of them, all such seamen as shall be sent to you by our selves or her Commander untill the number at present belonging to her be completed. Two hundred which is the complement allowed her for this present expedition. And for so doing this shall be your warrant..." Laid to inside cover of Vol. I. Partial fold separations with no paper loss; else Fine. Est: $2500-3500

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