John Underwood Antiquarian Books - Rare and Antiquarian Books and Manuscripts

[DU BARTAS] SYLVESTER,Joshua. Du Bartas His Divine Weekes and Workes translated WITH The History of Judith. London. Humfrey Lownes 1613 Fourth edition 8vo. [32] 819pp,, [33], [14], 87pp, [8]. (History of Judith with separate title and pagination but continuous registration.) Full panelled calf, blind stamped. Spine in six compartments, blind stamped, with brown title, gilt.The binding is a very pleasing modern panelled calf. Page edges have been stained yellow in imitation of gilding. Internally, this is a very crisp and clean copy, the best I have seen recently. There are a half dozen leaves with a single worm track not affecting text, some damp staining /toning although not heavy or extensive. The title is laid down and is possibly from another copy, as the colophon date suggests the Fourth edition, whilst the title states " now thirdly corrected and augm." The work in all its editions is noted for its creative typography (poems in columnar form for example) and decoration. An undervalued work perhaps, although Milton obviously knew its merit. A pleasing copy.

condition: Near Fine

binding: Full Panelled Leather