Vaughan, Henry

8vo (6 1/8 x 3 1/2 in.; 155 x 90 mm). Engraved title-page, with blank G8; shoulder-note of B3r cropped. Contemporary sheep, covers with double blind-ruled border, plain endpapers, brown sprinkled edges; spine neatly repaired. Brown morocco solander case.

Seth Sprague Terry (morocco label; AAA/Anderson, 5 December 1935, lot 423) — Arthur A. Houghton, Jr. (bookplate; Christie's London, 12 June 1980, lot 515) — The Garden Ltd. (morocco label; Sotheby's New York, 9 November 1989, lot 113). acquisition: Purchased at the foregoing sale through Bernard Quaritch

Wing V125; ESTC R148; Allison 8; Grolier/Wither to Prior 897; Hayward 81

8vo (6 1/8 x 3 1/2 in.; 155 x 90 mm). Engraved title-page, with blank G8; shoulder-note of B3r cropped. Contemporary sheep, covers with double blind-ruled border, plain endpapers, brown sprinkled edges; spine neatly repaired. Brown morocco solander case.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

First edition, first issue (with the uncancelled title-page dated 1650). An exceptionally fine copy, with distinguished provenance, of the most important work of one of the greatest English metaphysical poets; Hayward comments that "Vaughan's finest poetry was published in this rare volume."

Henry Vaughan (1622–1695), whose work was almost unknown until being rediscovered by Wordsworth at the end of the eighteenth century, occupies a unique position among English poets: "The pervading atmosphere of mystic rapture, rather than isolated fine things, constitutes the main charm of his poems" (DNB). The author is denominated as Henry Vaughan Silurist on the title-page. The appositive "Silurist" had a topographical significance, alluding to Brecknockshire (Vaughan's home county) and Herefordshire in the Welsh marshes, home of the Silures of ancient Britain.

Rare: during the remarkable auction season of 1989–1990, the Bradley Martin copy of Silex scintillans came on the market six months after the present appeared in the sale of the Garden Ltd., but none have been sold at auction since.