A Collection of Emblemes, Ancient and Moderne: Quickened with Metricall Illustrations, both Morall and Divine: And Disposed into Lotteries, that Instruction, and Good Counsell, may bee Furthered by an Honest and Pleasant Recreation

WITHER, George

Published by Allot, London, 1635

Frontispiece, title page vignettes, illustrated with fine engraved emblems by de Passe. 4 parts in one volume. 270pp. + 5pp. table. 4to, early full suede (covers rubbed). Although tightly bound, lacks pages 3-6, 9-14, 23/24, 103/104, 109/110, 123-134 (with 6 unpaginated pages between), 153-156, pages 197-208 (with 4 unpaginated pages between), 211-216, most of page 225/226, and 251-254. Occasional old ink marginalia, some pages expertly repaired, margin of page 257 torn away affect first line of text, last page has full margins restored, with missing part of text present in facsimile). London: Printed by A.M. for Robert Allot, 1635. De Passe's illustrations were considered among the most beautiful emblematic engravings of the period. An incomplete copy, containing full page frontispiece, chapter ornaments, and 164 of the original 200 plates. Still, a gorgeous book. Scottish author and poet George Gilfillan wrote that 'Wither was a man of real genius, but seems to have been partially insane.' A scarce book. Seller Inventory # 255918

Bibliographic Details

Title: A Collection of Emblemes, Ancient and ...
Publisher: Allot, London
Publication Date: 1635
Binding: hardcover
Illustrator: De Passe, Crispin
Condition: very good