{"title":"18th Century and Earlier","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"de-arte-gymnastica-libri-sex","title":"De arte gymnastica libri sex…","description":"\u003cp style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHieronymus Mercurialis [Girolamo MERCURIALE]\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDe arte gymnastica libri sex…\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVenice, Apud Juntas [Giunta], 1573\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e8vo., sympathetically bound in modern vellum with string-tied binding; evidence of a leather label now lacking from backstrip (with impression remaining); red speckled edges; collation *6, A-C8, D10, E-S8, T10, V8, X6 complete with all 20 full-page woodcut illustrations, one in-text, and two full-page plans showing layouts of the Palaestra; all continuous with signatures; along with numerous woodcut initials and title vignette; an excellent, bright example, one or two pages very slightly browned, one or two small holes and closed tears, and wormholes throughout the text, all repaired, for the most part affecting the margins only (occasionally impacting one or two letters); some faded ink annotations to the margin of p. 192; minor tidemark affecting the upper margin of the latter quarter of the text block only; vellum slightly splayed, as is common; a very good example of this scarce work. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSecond edition, first illustrated\u003c\/strong\u003e, dedicated to the Emperor Maximillian II. The first edition had appeared in 1569. Several editions followed, duplicating the illustrations which appear here for the first time. The best-known work of the Italian philologist and physician Girolamo Mercuriale (1530-1606), whose early studies into the classical and medical writers of Ancient Greece and Rome culminated in the publication of the present volume. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eAn extremely significant edition of a work which explores the importance of sports and gymnastics in the Ancient world, as well as one of the earliest books to discuss the impact of movement on general health and fitness. Considered to be one of the first texts in the West to discuss the importance of sports medicine, the plates depict discus throwing, pugilism (one of the first representations of a boxing match), acrobatics, juggling, and swings for women, as as well techniques for the binding of hands to be used in wrestling. Mercuriale was careful to distinguish between three different types of gymnastics; military (pyrrhics), a type of war dance performed in the wrestling grounds as part of gymnasium training (which he considers a necessary evil); competitive gymnastics (of which he disapproves); and medical gymnastics, which he endorses. As well as listing numerous texts by Greek and Latin authors on the subject of sports and gymnastics, Mercuriale also touches on the importance of a healthy balanced diet, bathing naked and general physical hygiene for the importance of a healthy and balanced life. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eFollowing this publication, Mercuriale was appointed chair of practical medicine in Padua in 1569. He continued to write; his treatise on skin disease \u003cem\u003eDe morbis cutaneis\u003c\/em\u003e was published in 1572, and others such as \u003cem\u003eDe morbis muliebribus \u003c\/em\u003e(\"On the diseases of women, 1582) and \u003cem\u003eDe morbis puerorum\u003c\/em\u003e (\"On the diseases of children, 1583) soon followed. His reputation continued to grow, though his mistreatment of a plague outbreak in Venice in 1575 (in which he ordered quarantine restrictions to be lifted in order to treat the sick) sabotaged this somewhat. Within two years, over one third of the population of Venice succumbed to the disease, partly due to the spread of infection his actions caused. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThe illustrations present here are reproduced after designs by Pirro Ligorio (1512-1582), a draftsman, architect, painter, landscaper, and antiquarian who designed the Villa d’Este at Tivoli, famous for its architectural features such as fountains and ornamental basins, as well as its terraced Italian gardens. Ligorio was also responsible for the excavations of Hadrian's villa in Rome. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScarce \u003c\/strong\u003ein such condition. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fold the Corner Rare Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55917392167236,"sku":"SQ7666116","price":3000.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/8711\/0212\/files\/484a02594.jpg?v=1777235360"},{"product_id":"hyfforddiadau-i-ymddygiad-defosiynnol-a-gweddus-yng-nhgyhoedd-wasanaeth-duw-yn-fwy-enwedigol-yn-yr-arferiad-or-weddi-gyffredin-a-appwyntwyd-gan-eglwys-lloegr","title":"Hyfforddiadau i ymddygiad defosiynnol a gweddus yng Nhgyhoedd Wasanaeth Duw yn fwy enwedigol yn yr arferiad o'r weddi gyffredin a appwyntwyd gan Eglwys Lloegr","description":"\u003cp style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e[CHURCH OF ENGLAND IN WALES] \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHyfforddiadau i ymddygiad defosiynnol a gweddus yng Nhgyhoedd Wasanaeth Duw yn fwy enwedigol yn yr arferiad o'r weddi gyffredin a appwyntwyd gan Eglwys Lloegr\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify; ; white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLlundain [London]: Printed by Marc Bascett, 1762\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLarge 8vo (14.5 x 22cm); contemporary calf, heavily rubbed and worn; blindstamped with decorative panelled border to boards; five raised bands; pp. [iv], 3-8; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBound with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLlyfr Gweddi Gyffredin, A Gweinidogaeth y Sacramentau, a Chynheddfau a Seremoniau eraill yr Eglwys, Yn ol arfer Eglwys Loegr: Ynghyd a’r Sallwyr, neu Salmau Dafyd, Wedi eu nodi megis ag y maent i’w canu neu i’w dywedyd mewn Eglwyfydd\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify; ; white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLlundain [London]: Printed by Tomas Bascett, 1752\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePp. [clx], including numerous tables. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLlyfry Salmau, Wedi eu Cyfieithu, a’u Cyfansoddi Ar Fesur Cerdd, yn Gymraeg… \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify; ; white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLlundain [London]: Printed by Tomas Bascett, 1752\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePp. [lxxii]\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTestament Newydd ein Harglwydd a’n Hiachawdwr Iesu Grist. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify; ; white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLlundain [London]: Printed by Tomas Bascett, 1752 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePp. [ccclxviii]\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePages lightly, and evenly, toned, some smudging, corner creasing, and scattered spots; for the most part good, clean copies, with some minor damp staining affecting the outer margin of a few pages in the third work. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eProvenance: \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCut ownership name of Elias Evans now affixed to the front paste-down.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA sammelband of religious works in Welsh published by the Bascett family between 1752 and 1762, comprising the Book of Common Prayer, the Psalms as translated by Edmund Prys, and a 1752 edition of The New Testament, which includes the Apocrypha. Prys was a clergyman and poet who is best known today for his translation of the Psalms into a style of Welsh ‘free verse’ which was intended to be sung within church congregations. Both Tomas and Marc Bascett were printers to the King of England, and are best known for their publications of Bibles and Books of Common Prayer from 1712 onwards. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe first work is surprisingly scarce. We have only been able to trace three institutional copies worldwide - all, suitably, in Wales. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fold the Corner Rare Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55917394035012,"sku":"SQ9793737","price":250.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/8711\/0212\/files\/476cc02628.jpg?v=1777235414"},{"product_id":"letter-written-by-a-british-spy-during-the-french-revolution","title":"Letter written by a British spy during the French Revolution","description":"\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e[FRENCH REVOLUTION]\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLetter written by a British spy during the French Revolution \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eParis: 1791\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA three-sided manuscript letter (18.5 x 23cm approx folded, 37.5 x 23cm unfolded), written in ink by an unknown hand and dated January 27th 1791 to the upper edge of the first page; folded multiple times, likely for ease of transportation or to mask its discovery to England; the writing, which begins in a neat, sloping hand, becomes more erratic as time goes on, doubling in size before the final line and signed simply ‘Yours sincerely’, with no name given; some words or sentences crossed out with corrections, occasionally, given above; aside from the creasing fine; a remarkable survival. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn autograph letter seemingly from a British agent, who provides a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003edetailed eyewitness account of the events unfolding in Paris on the 27th January 1791\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“Eighteen months have elapsed since the wild and licentious spirit of freedom broke loose in this country and produced a revolution”, the letter begins, “The most extraordinary of any recorded in the annals of mankind”. It goes on to describe the metropolis which is “in a state of anarchy as lamentable as it is dangerous… Paris is at this instant in a state of alarm and perplexity” and the mob, who “formed barricades with drays, waggons and carts”. Of particular note are the references to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLa Constitution Monarchique \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e(which was eventually accepted by King Louis XVI in September of that year), the counter-revolutionary breakouts, the epistle ‘written in blood’ of Broglie and his attempts to ‘destroy liberty’ and Lafayette (who was at the time attempting to maintain order within the country). Two references are made to a ‘G. Millar’, who seems to be an acquaintance of the letter writer and to have played a part in getting the letters out of the country - though unsuccessfully, as “I have not had a word or line…since 20 of Dec”. This is perhaps unsurprising for a series of letters apparently sent in secret to London during a time of such great upheaval.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhile events in Paris during 1790 and 1791 were relatively calm in relation to the years surrounding them, the city was nonetheless increasingly divided, partly due to the actions of the Jacobin club (mentioned here by way of a “circular letter from the Jacobians last Monday…invites to be on their guard against the aristocrats”) By June disorder had escalated further, leading King Louis XVI to take his famous Flight to Varennes, in which he and his family unsuccessfully attempted to leave Paris for Montmédy. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA remarkable piece of historical first-hand evidence recounting some of the early years of the Revolution\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e as they happened in front of an unknown writer’s very eyes. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fold the Corner Rare Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55917395149124,"sku":"SQ2477989","price":750.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/8711\/0212\/files\/539_Foldthecornerbooks_02292.webp?v=1762864009"},{"product_id":"tragywyddol-orphwysfar-saint-neu-draethawd-am-ddedwydd-gyflwr-y-saint-yn-eu-mwynhad-o-dduw-yn-y-nefoedd","title":"Tragywyddol Orphwysfa’r Saint neu Draethawd am Ddedwydd Gyflwr y Saint yn eu Mwynhad o Dduw yn y Nefoedd…","description":"\u003cp style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBAXTER, Richard; Thomas JONES [Trans.]\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify; ; white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTragywyddol Orphwysfa’r Saint neu Draethawd am Ddedwydd Gyflwr y Saint yn eu Mwynhad o Dduw yn y Nefoedd… \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify; ; white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrinted and sold by J. a W. Eddowes, 1790 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSmall 8vo., contemporary calf, heavily worn and rubbed; pp. [iii], iv-xii, [i], 2-354; [iv], priced two shillings to the title;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e[bound with]\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eROMAINE, W[illiam]\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify; ; white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGwledd I’r Eglwys neu Ddeuddeg Pregeth, ar gan Salomon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify; ; white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMachynlleth: Titas Evans, 1792\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePp. [iii], iv-xiv, [i], 2-269, [i]. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe binding rubbed with loss to the upper layer; split along spine with some small holes, binding string and cloth visible beneath, headband coming loose; holding, still; offsetting to endleaves; browning, spotting and finger marks throughout, with some corner and vertical creasing; some pen annotations throughout, mostly to the second part, comprised of capital ‘A’s to margins of title, p. 32-33 and verso of final leaf; p. 29-32 of second part trimmed at foot; a good, sound copy. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTwo works in one, and the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003efirst translations into Welsh\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e of these two titles. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe first book comprises Richard Baxter’s ‘The Saints’ Everlasting Rest’, here reading: ‘The Eternal Resting Place of the Saints, or an essay on the Happy Condition of the Saints in their Enjoyment of God in the Heavens’. It was one of Baxter’s major publications, written while he was recovering from illness, and remains  a deeply comprehensive work of eschatology on the subject of life after death and the finer points of religion, with footnotes referring the reader to various passages from the Bible. The second work comprises twelve sermons by the Reverend W. Romaine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRichard Baxter was an English clergyman from Shropshire who had a long and extensive career as a theologian. In 1662, following the Act of Uniformity, Baxter was one of 2000 clergymen who refused to take the oath, and was therefore expelled from the Church of England in what later became known as ‘the Great Ejection’. He thereby became an incredibly influential leader in the Nonconformist movement. William Romaine was ordained in 1734, and later became a pastor at St. Anne's, Blackfriars. Friends with William Grimshaw, Charles Wesley and George Whitefield, the present work takes as its focus the passages from the Song of Solomon, one of the most sexually explicit parts of the Bible. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBoth of the volumes have been translated into Welsh by Thomas Jones (1752-1845), an evangelical preacher, writer of seven works in Welsh, and translator of numerous titles by such writers as Berridge and Sir Richard Hill, the last of which was published in 1841. He is perhaps best known today for his efforts to publish ten thousand copies of the Bible in Welsh, and it was partly due to this that the British and Foreign Bible Society was later established.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fold the Corner Rare Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55917400981828,"sku":"SQ9781105","price":200.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/8711\/0212\/files\/47602627.jpg?v=1777236046"},{"product_id":"the-celestial-worlds-discover-d-or-conjectures-concerning-the-inhabitants-plants-and-productions-of-the-worlds-in-the-planets-nbsp","title":"The Celestial Worlds Discover’d: or, Conjectures Concerning the Inhabitants, Plants and Productions of the Worlds in the Planets.\u0026nbsp;","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONE OF THE EARLIEST DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING ALIEN LIFE \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHUYGENS, Christianus\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Celestial Worlds Discover’d: or, Conjectures Concerning the Inhabitants, Plants and Productions of the Worlds in the Planets. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLondon: Printed for James Knapton, at the Crown in St. Paul’s Church-yard, 1722\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSmall 8vo., contemporary blindstamped calf, lined and decorated with borders and cornerpieces in blind to both boards, rebacked, with five raised bands to spine and contrasting red morocco letterpiece to second compartment (with a portion of the original label loosely laid in); red speckled edges; pp. [iv], iii-vi, 162 (full collation A-K8, L4), containing all five folding engraved plates as called for; the original binding marked and rubbed; some worming to the lower board; early ownership inscription in ink to the ffep, as well as a lengthy gift inscription from David A. Keys to Miss Isabel K. Williamson in ink to ffep, and Keys’ bookplate affixed to the front paste-down; corner tape repair to the verso of ffep; as well as the rear endpaper and board; prelims a touch browned and spotted; but internally a very fresh and clean example of a scarce work; a few very small spots to the plates, and occasionally annotated throughout in neat pencil, but otherwise seldom found in this condition; the author’s name now incorrectly spelt ‘Hutgens’ to the spine. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSecond edition in English\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, corrected and enlarged. The first had appeared in Latin in 1698, with the first English in the same year. This, the second, followed nearly 25 years later. The present example includes the gift inscription of David A. Keys to the front free endpaper: \"From David A. Keys, Sept. 1\/32\/ Cambridge. to Miss Isabel K. Williamson in appreciation of her 23 years as editor of “Skyward”, the monthly Newsletter of the Montreal centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. May 30th 1971.” \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA fascinating work postulating the existence of extra-terrestrial life on other planets, taking as its basis the Copernican theory of the universe. Christiaan Huygens (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1629 - 1695)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e was a Dutch mathematician, physicist and astronomer who was responsible for discovering (and determining the nature of) the rings of Saturn. In his role as an engineer and inventor, he furthermore created the first pendulum clock in 1657, which allowed for more accurate equations of time, thereby influencing planetary theory \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt was shortly before his death in 1695 that Huygens compiled this speculative work entitled \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCosmotheoros, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ewhich was later published posthumously by his brother. Treatises such as these had been published before, but because of his scientific background, Huygens could expound his theories in greater detail. These revolve around the need for (and evidence of) water on other planets, with the dark and light spots on Mars and Jupiter suggesting evidence of water and ice. He goes on to discuss the nature of other beings - what they may look like, and whether those beings may be similarly rational. The included plates show the Copernican system of the universe (with his heliocentric model placing the sun at the centre), pleasing diagrams showing the rings of Saturn and the trajectories of various orbits; as well as the various moons surrounding the planets. Huygens also goes on to suggest the approximate size of the solar system, as well as his methods for calculating stellar differences. Though based on scientific theory, the work was still likely regarded at the time as a Utopian fiction in a similar vein to other writers of the day including Cyrano de Bergerac, although it undoubtedly inspired a shift in attitude towards the possibility of life on planets other than our own. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIsabel Williamson was \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003edirector of observations of the Royal Astronomical Society at \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ethe Montreal Centre from 1942 to 1971, and has been credited as being the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003edriving force behind the observing programs at the centre during the 1940s to 60s. She was a frequent observer of auroras and meteors, and built her own 15 cm reflector in 1947. From 1948 to 1971, she was the first Editor of the Centre's newsletter, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSkyward\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, which was published alongside ‘\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Asteroid Club\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e’ for junior members. In 1948 she received the Chant Medal and in 1981 she was given the Service Award, making her the only person to be doubly honoured in this way. In 1987, the centre named an observatory in her honour. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"The Earth holds no privileged position among the other planets”, Huygens writes, “It would therefore be unreasonable to suppose that life should be restricted to the Earth alone\". \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScarce in this edition, and with the text block so clean. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fold the Corner Books ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56704275415364,"sku":null,"price":2500.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/8711\/0212\/files\/20260409_145455.jpg?v=1777361014"},{"product_id":"the-principles-of-critical-philosophy","title":"The Principles of Critical Philosophy","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTHE SECOND WORK OF KANTIAN PHILOSOPHY TO BE TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e KANT, Emmanuel; James Sigismund BECK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Principles of Critical Philosophy \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLondon: Sold by J. Johnson, W. Richardson; Edinburgh: P. Hill, Manners and Miller; Hamburg: B. G. Hoffman, 1797\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e8vo., recently rebound in half black cloth over marbled paper-covered boards; two contrasting green cloth labels lettered and lined in gilt to spine; new textured endpapers; lower edges untrimmed; pp. [vii], viii-lxxx, [iii], 4-454, [ii]; with a few small diagrams printed in text; the binding fine; internal pages lightly and evenly browned, some creases to pages and occasional small dampstains to edges; text a little rubbed in places, with occasional spots and some early manuscript corrections throughout, in an unknown hand; library stamp of the Public Library of Cincinnati to verso of title (sold with their knowledge, and with confirmation from the library that this title is no longer listed in the Cincinnati \u0026amp; Hamilton County Public Library catalogue), along with some pencil shelving notes; repeated to page XXI and 454; else a very good example of a very rare work. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFirst English edition \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eof a work which had previously appeared in German the previous year. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJames [Jakob] Sigismund Beck (1761–1840) was born in Poland, and was the son of a priest who practiced in their home village of Liessau. It was when he enrolled at the University of Königsberg that he first became a student of Immanuel Kant and later devoted his academic career to studying his teacher’s writings. He became professor at the University of Halle, and at Kant’s insistence, he began to publish what would later become a three-volume set of ‘Explanatory Abstracts’ of Kant’s major writings. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eErläuternder Auszug aus den kritischen Schriften des Herrn Prof. Kant, auf Anrathen desselben \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eappeared between 1793 and 1796, and is still used today as a compendium of Kantian doctrine. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe present volume therefore represents the first English edition of Beck’s insightful criticism, and as such is a very early translation of Kant’s philosophy into the English language. Kant’s three famous ‘critiques’; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCritique of Pure Reason\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (1781), the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCritique of Practical Reason\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (1788), and the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCritique of the Power of Judgment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (1790) are each based around the central concept of human autonomy, in which “human reason gives itself the moral law, which is our basis for belief in God, freedom, and immortality” (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy). In Beck’s exposition, he argues that Kant’s philosophy is primarily geared towards idealism - that knowledge of objects cannot exist outside the realm of human consciousness, and that the idea of God is a symbolic representation of the voice of conscience guiding from within. Beck’s seminal contribution is his ‘Doctrine of Standpoint’ which advocates for “a ‘reversal’ of the method of the Critique of Pure Reason and the elimination of the ‘thing-in-itself’ from Kant’s theoretical philosophy” (Forster). \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn fact, it was the work of Beck, along with his contemporaries such as Karl Leonhard Reinhold and Johann Gottlieb Fichte, which later led to the emergence of German Idealism.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAn important early introduction to Kantian thought. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eESTC T123243.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fold the Corner Books ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56704283541828,"sku":null,"price":3000.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/8711\/0212\/files\/60602361.jpg?v=1777361673"},{"product_id":"colloquia-nunc-emendatiora-amp-coronis-apologetica-pro-colloquiis-erasmi-ex-ipsius-scriptis-quantum-per-otium-licuit-fideliter-collecta-a-p-s-accedit-eiusdem-de-colloquiorum-utilate-dissertatio","title":"Colloquia, nunc emendatiora [\u0026amp;] Coronis Apologetica pro Colloquiis Erasmi, Ex Ipsius scriptis, quantum per otium licuit, fideliter collecta a P.S., Accedit eiusdem de Colloquiorum Utilate Dissertatio.","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eERASMUS, Desiderius; [Petrus SCRIVERIUS]. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColloquia, nunc emendatiora [\u0026amp;] Coronis Apologetica pro Colloquiis Erasmi, Ex Ipsius scriptis, quantum per otium licuit, fideliter collecta a P.S., Accedit eiusdem de Colloquiorum Utilate Dissertatio. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLeiden: Ex Officina Elzeviriana, 1636\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e12mo. (140 x 80 mm.). Contemporary tied vellum binding, titles in ink to spine; outer edge speckled; pp. [i, engraved title], [xxi], 672, [ii], 3-44, [iv]; a little splaying (caused by splitting to two of the eight external ties), and darkening to boards, compressed at corners, else a lovely binding containing a text block which is for the most part clean and bright; the ffep chipped at extremities; some light finger marks, and some delicate hand-colouring to small portions of the title and vignettes to pp. xx; a lovely copy. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFirst Elzevier edition\u003c\/strong\u003e of this compendium of highlights from the great Humanist scholar Erasmus, published here, for the first time, in a celebrated small pocket format. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eW440; B 1347; R 431. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fold the Corner Books ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56705136820548,"sku":null,"price":250.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/8711\/0212\/files\/1702458.jpg?v=1777381049"},{"product_id":"bile-exercitatio-physico-medica","title":"[Bile] Exercitatio Physico-Medica","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eON BILE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBROEN, Johann. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e[Bile] Exercitatio Physico-Medica\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e[Leyden]: Johannem Prins 1685\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e12mo., contemporary full vellum with two contrasting leather labels ruled and lettered in gilt to spine, with date to foot; engraved title frontis and further title with publisher’s device; several engraved initials within text; pp. [ii], [ii, frontis]; [xxx], 249, [lxvi, index], [v]; vellum soiled and a little ink stained, a small portion of loss to upper edge of rear board; the binding tight and firm, with evidence of some bookseller stickers removed from endpapers; a few small rust spots and finger marks, previous owner’s name discretely written in ink to title,  but otherwise clean internally; a very good example of a scarce work.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFirst edition.\u003c\/strong\u003e A fascinating medical study concerning bile and pathology. Broen, a Dutch doctor and Professor in Leyden, is known for writing a large number of medical texts. He was also a vocal opponent of iatrochemistry (understanding medicine \u0026amp; physiology in terms of chemistry) as promulgated by Franciscus Sylvius (1614-1672). \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe small ‘pocket’ format of this book suggests that it would have been intended for practical use. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fold the Corner Books ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56705141211460,"sku":null,"price":300.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/8711\/0212\/files\/2802462.jpg?v=1777381244"},{"product_id":"p-ovidii-nasonis-operum-tomus-iii","title":"P. Ovidii Nasonis Operum Tomus III…","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOVID. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eP. Ovidii Nasonis Operum Tomus III…\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLeiden: Ex Officina Elzeviriana, 1629 \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e12 mo. (124 x 75 mm.). Calendar printed in red and black. Very occasional light spotting, otherwise a very good and clean copy in contemporary vellum over paper boards. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVolume 3 (of 3) only of the 1629 Ovid (cf. previous item) in attractive contemporary vellum. Perfect for anyone wishing to complete the set. From the library of the Sandys family at Ombersley Court. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eW 317; B 2100; R 288; Copinger 3437; BRUNET IV, 272. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fold the Corner Books ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56705220477252,"sku":null,"price":100.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/8711\/0212\/files\/37602558.jpg?v=1777382087"},{"product_id":"the-astrologer-s-magazine-and-philosophical-miscellany","title":"The Astrologer’s Magazine; and Philosophical Miscellany","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e[ASTROLOGY] \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Astrologer’s Magazine; and Philosophical Miscellany. Consisting of An Easy Introduction to the Celestial Science of Astrology. The Art of setting a Figure to any Time proposed. Signification of the Houses, Planets, Signs and Aspects. Position, Motion, and Influences, of the Heavenly Bodies. Rules and Examples to Resolve all Lawful Horary Questions. How to calculate Nativities, exemplified by the Genitures of many illustrious Persons. Lives of eminent Philosophers. Singular Prophecies. Chymical Secrets. Medical Prescriptions. Extracts, on interesting Subjects, from the Philosophical Transactions. With a Monthly Portion of Lavater’s Physiognomy, embellished with Several Hundred Etchings and Engravings, illustrative of the Science. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHolborn [London]: Printed for W. Locke, 1793-4\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e8vo., calf-backed marbled paper-covered boards, spine with five raised bands and ‘I’ in gilt to third compartment; pp. [v], 4-250, [ii, index]; together with the highly decorative engraved frontis with an illustration depicting quotes from Job and Milton; containing numerous diagrams, tables and charts throughout; the spine ends re-tipped in calf, now heavily rubbed and lacking label to second compartment, split along edges (but holding)  and rubbed all over, some of the marbled paper beginning to chip and boards showing through beneath in places; the frontis, seldom found at all, is here closely shaved at head and affixed to the front paste-down; some light pencil markings to paste down and title; damp stain to lower corner of title; the text block itself occasionally shaved at outer margin, though with no loss of text; aside from light spots and the odd corner tear a very clean copy internally; this copy without the additional engravings, as is also common.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA scarce collection of six issues of the ‘Astrologer’s Magazine’, representing the August 1793 to January 1794 issues. Formerly known as ‘The Conjuror's Magazine’ (which ran from 1791-1793), Astrology became such a large focus that the name was changed here, in August 1793. It then ran for just six more issues before publication was ceased. Widely believed to be the first \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003econjuring periodical, it was also one of the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003efirst to openly and actively promote the practice of magic. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eContributions here include ‘Curious Philosophical Essays upon the Power of the Devil on Human Bodies’, ‘Prophecies of Nostradamus, relating to France’, ‘The Moon’s Influence on Madmen’ and several sections on Witchcraft, including a witch trial held in 1762, ‘Proofs of Witchcraft’, and ‘Children afflicted by supposed Sorcery’, as well as sections on Necromancy, Dreams, Visions, and Palmistry (accompanied by diagrams). \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fold the Corner Books ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56705552482628,"sku":null,"price":450.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/8711\/0212\/files\/60702506.jpg?v=1777387067"},{"product_id":"the-works-of-geoffrey-chaucer","title":"The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eONE OF JUST 10 LETTERED COPIES \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCHAUCER, Geoffrey \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Works of Geoffrey Chaucer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLondon: The Folio Society, 2002 \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eElephant Folio (30 x 42.5 x 8cm approx.); bound by Smith Settle at Otley, Yorkshire, in full Nigerian goatskin, elaborately decorated in full gilt to upper board and spine, with a design redrawn by David Eccles from a copy of the Kelmscott Chaucer which was bound by T. J. Cobden-Sanderson at the Doves Bindery in 1900; this copy containing all [ix], 2-552, [ii] original pages, with text printed in two columns along with the 87 wood-engraved illustrations by Edward Burne-Jones, and the 18 frames, 14 borders, and 26 decorative words designed by William Morris; here printed in black with running titles to outer margins in red; on Oxenford twin-wire laid paper, specially made at the James Cropper Mill at Burneside in Cumbria and supplied by John Purcell paper, with handmade laid endpapers provided from the Fabriano Mill in Italy; blue ribbon marker (a little frayed at end); otherwise a fine copy, contained in the original custom-made clamshell case, with the accompanying essay by William S. Peterson in the pocket to the front. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLimited edition, one of one thousand and ten copies which were printed by the Folio Society, with this copy ‘J’ from the ten handlettered copies which were not intended for sale. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOne of the ‘crowning jewels’ of Morris’s Kelmscott Press, the Kelmscott Chaucer was borne out of a love of both medievalism and design which originated with both Morris and Burne-Jones whilst they were still students (the pair had originally met while undergraduates at Oxford in the 1850s). In fact, Morris referred to Chaucer as ‘my master’, and Burne-Jones had later even remarked to his wife that “Chaucer is very much the same sort of person as Morris ... the value of their work comes from the extreme simplicity and beautiful directness of their natures.” The pair would often read Chaucer’s works in their rooms at Oxford, take long and leisurely trips to the Bodleian library, where they would study medieval manuscripts - a love of both books, design, and literature which would eventually culminate in the present publication. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFour years in the making, the first page of the Kelmscott Chaucer was printed on the 8th August 1894, and on the 2nd June 1896 the first two complete copies were finally delivered from the binders. In all, only 425 copies were originally produced, alongside 13 printed on vellum and another 48 bound in pig's skin. The book sits alongside Shakespeare Folios and Gutenberg bibles as being one of the few works for which a census is needed, (i.e. in order to determine who on earth owns a copy). \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis Folio Society facsimile came into being after Mr Bernard Roberts, proprietor of the John Roberts press at the time, loaned his own example to be disbound and photographed. The quite frankly stunning binding here displays an intricate and elaborate design incorporating intertwining leaves with the famous opening lines to the General Prologue of The Canterbury Tales serving as borders: “Whan that Aprille with his shoures soote \/ The droghte of March hath perced to the roote \/ And bathed every veyne in swich licour \/ Of which vertu engendred is the flour”. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWidely regarded as the finest modern facsimile edition of the Kelmscott Chaucer, and the nearest obtainable editions of one of the most beautiful books ever printed. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fold the Corner Books ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56709012160836,"sku":null,"price":2000.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/8711\/0212\/files\/760a02475.jpg?v=1777471902"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0943\/8711\/0212\/collections\/20251127_141739_1e7f2bf6-f8c7-48d6-b182-d465aacedd34.jpg?v=1777236101","url":"https:\/\/foldthecornerbooks.co.uk\/collections\/18th-century-and-earlier.oembed","provider":"Fold the Corner Books ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}