Item #68492 Husband's Authority Unvail'd. Moses A. VAUTS.
Husband's Authority Unvail'd

First and Only Edition

Husband's Authority Unvail'd. wherein it is moderately discussed whether it be fit or lawfull for a good Man, to beat his bad Wife. Some mysteries of iniquity are likewise unmasked, and a little unfolded. A subject, to some, perhaps, as unwelcom as uncoth. From an inner cloyster of the Temple; by Moses à Vauts a faithfull votary, and free denizen of the Common-wealth of Israel.

London: Printed by T.N. for Robert Bostock, 1650.

First and only edition. Small quarto (7 1/8 x 5 1/2 inches; 180 x 139 mm). [8], 100, [2] pp. Bound without final blank. With engraved initials, head and tail pieces.

Newer half calf over contemporary speckled paper boards. Spine stamped in gilt. Red morocco spine label, lettered in gilt. Some minor toning and foxing throughout. Top margin trimmed close, occasionally affecting running headline. Previous owner's morocco bookplate on front pastedown. Overall a very good copy.

"In early modern marriage conduct books, wives are advised to submit to their husbands, and husbands are advised , as the 'lords of the house,' to keep order by rebuking and controlling their wives. Most marriage books, however, do not condone wife beating... Moses a Vauts was one of the few who supported wife beating. In The Husband's Authority Unvail'd. wherein it is moderately discussed whether it be fit or lawfull for a good Man, to beat his bad Wife, he states 'If Wives will invent strange new Fashions and frisking strains of Disobedience... why should not their Husbands suit them with new Forms of Discipline?" Vauts also declares, 'It were well, and better, the wife could not deserve Blows; but, if they be due, or needful, or best for her, why should they be denied her?'" (Custome is an Idiot: Jacobean Pamphlet Literature on Women. Edited by Susan Gushee O'Malley)

ESTC R205920.

HBS 68492.

$3,500.

Price: $3,500.00

Item #68492

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