07-20-201807-21-2018
Skinner Auctions
Skinner AuctionsBoston MA
3117BBoston
July 20, 2018 12:00 PMCalender
53

Donne, John (1572-1631) Biathanatos. A Declaration of that Paradoxe, or Thesis, that Selfe-homicide is not so Naturally Sinne, that it

Sell one like this
 
Auction: Books & Manuscripts - 3117BLocation: BostonDate / Time: July 20, 2018 12:00PM

Description:

Donne, John (1572-1631) Biathanatos. A Declaration of that Paradoxe, or Thesis, that Selfe-homicide is not so Naturally Sinne, that it may never be otherwise.
London: Printed by John Dawson [for Henry Seile], 1644. First edition; undated title, quarto, bound in later full calf, nicely done in period style, some contemporary notes on free blanks, ownership inscription dated 1699 on title, ex libris University College London, four-line contemporary manuscript note at the foot of page 30, 7 1/4 x 5 1/2 in.

"Every Tuesday I make account that I turn a great hourglass, and consider what a week's life is run out since I writ. But if I ask myself what I have done in the last watch, or would do in the next, I can say nothing. If I say that I have passed it without hurting any, so may the spider in my window. [...] I have often suspected myself to be overtaken [...] with a desire of the next life, which, though I know it is not merely out of a weariness of this, [I suspect] worldly encumbrances have increased." (Donne, in a 1608 letter to his friend Henry Goodyer.)

[para]4 (first leaf blank and likely integral),(*)2, A/[para]4, A-Z4, Aa-Dd4, Ee2.
http://estc.bl.uk/R13744
Estimate $12,000-14,000


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

Keywords

John Dawson, Henry Goodyer, Henry Seile, London