Interesting provenance
Letters of Sr Francis Bacon, Baron on Verulam, Viscount St. Alban ... written during the reign of King James the First. Now collected, and augmented with several letters and memories, address'd by him to the King and Duke of Buckingham, which were never before published. The whole being illustrated by an historical introduction and some observations, and dispos'd according to the series of time
London: Benj. Tooke, 1702. First edition, and likely a large paper copy; 4to, pp. [8], lxxx, [2], 302, [2]; contemporary full calf, double gilt-ruled borders enclosing a central triple gilt-ruled panel, fleurons in the corners, a.e.g., rebacked to match, preserving the original red morocco label; boards pockmarked, else a very good copy. This copy with the early ownership signatures of Philip Ward and "Edw. Ward, ex dono Robt. Stephens," and with an inscription by Stephens on the flyleaf reading "To the Right Honable. Sir Edward Ward, Kt., Lord Chief Baron of the Court of Excheq., the memoires of Ld. Baron's are presented by his Ldships most humble servant, Rob: Stephens." Edward Ward (1638-1714) was Chief Baron of the Exchequer, and Robert Stephens (1665-1732) was the historiographer-royal, and editor of this volume of letters by Bacon. Without the 2 leaves of dedication, as usual. "These were canceled owing to the death of William III prior to the publication of the work" (Gibson). Gibson 245. Item #27377
Price: $1,500.00
