First Edition in English
Politique discourses, treating of the differences and inequalities of vocations, as well publique, as priuate: with the scopes or endes wherevnto they are directed. Translated out of French, by ?gremont Ratcliffe Esquire.
London: [by T. Dawson?] for Edward Aggas, 1578.
. Politique discourses,. treating of the differences and inequalities of vocations, as well publique, as priuate: with the scopes or endes wherevnto they are directed. Translated out of French, by ?gremont Ratcliffe Esquire London: [by T. Dawson?] for Edward Aggas, 1578.
Full Description:
[LA PLACE, Pierre-Antoine de]. RATCLIFFE, Aegremont, [translator]. Politique discourses, treating of the differences and inequalities of vocations, as well publique, as priuate: with the scopes or endes wherevnto they are directed. Translated out of French, by ?gremont Ratcliffe Esquire London: [by T. Dawson?] for Edward Aggas, 1578.
First English edition, a translation of Discours politiques sur la voye d'enter deu?ment aux estats. Small quarto (7 3/8 x 5 5/8 inches; 188 x 142 mm). [1]-81 leaves. Title within engraved border and with engraved printer's device. With engraved historiated initials. Without final blank. "Anonymous. By Pierre de la Place. Printer?s name conjectured by STC" (BL). We could find only one other copy at auction in the past 35 years.
Modern full brown calf. Boards ruled in gilt. Spine lettered and ruled in gilt. Dentelles double-ruled in gilt with floral corner devices. Top edge dyed brown. Some rubbing and darkening along spine and board edges. Title-page lightly toned with fore-edge margin a bit frayed. The first two signatures and final leaf with some toning and staining, but the rest very clean. A bit of minor marginalia. Newer endpapers. Overall a very good copy.
The English translation of La Place's Discours politiques sur la voye d'enter deu?ment aux estats, Politique discourses is a "treatise covering statesmanship, government office, military conduct, marriage and domestic ethics." (Forum Auctions).
Egremont Radcliffe, rebel and alleged assassin took part in the Rising of the North of 1569. "Radcliffe was sent to the Tower of London?it was reported to Spain that he was about to make false statements against Philip and would claim that the latter planned to retaliate for English provocations. He carved his name in the Beauchamp Tower, and wrote Politique Discourses Translated out of French (1578), which he dedicated to Walsingham. It was a personal volte-face, advocating acceptance of the social and political order. He might well ask, 'who ever sawe so many discontented persons ... so many controllers of princes and their procedinges: and so fewe imbracing obedience?' (E. Radcliffe, Politique Discourses, 1578, sig. A3v)." (Oxford DNB). ESTC S110593.
HBS 69640.
$4,000.
Price: $4,000.00
Item #69640