(Popish Plot) — “D. G.” [Possibly Gilbert Gifford] | On Cardinal William Allen and the Catholic Plot to Overthrow Elizabeth

From the Library of Clayre and Jay Michael Haft

(Popish Plot) — “D. G.” [Possibly Gilbert Gifford]

A Briefe Discoverie of Doctor Allens Seditious Drifts, Contrived in a Pamphlet Written by Him, Concerning the Yeelding Up of the Towne of Deventer, (in Overrissel) unto the King of Spain, by Sir William Stanley. London: John Wolfe for Francis Coldock, 1588

4to (169 x 127mm). Large woodcut of St. George and the dragon on A1v, woodcut initials; first five gatherings with small burn mark and tiny associated chip in upper margin, some light browning. Near-contemporary English blind-ruled calf, morocco lettering-piece on spine; slight drying and light wear, endpapers renewed.

First edition of this pamphlet relating to Cardinal William Allen and the Catholic Plot to Overthrow Elizabeth. It is a reply to Allen’s text of the same year The copie of a letter written by M. Doctor Allen concerning the yeelding up, of the citie of Daventrie, unto his Catholike Majestie, by Sir William Stanley knight. The “To the Reader” leaf is signed “D. G.” Sir William Maxwell attributed authorship to Gilbert Gifford, the double-agent who had questioned Sir William Stanley’s loyalty to the English crown. Stanley served under the Earl of Leicester in the Netherlands during the Wars of Religion. His regiment took the town of Deventer in October 1586 from the Spanish and Stanley was put in charge as governor, then in January 1587 he defected and handed the town back to the Spanish. He became acquainted with William Allen who published a defense of his actions at Deventer, which is the text being repudiated in the present work.

REFERENCE:

Luborsky & Ingram/English Illustrated Books, 1536-1603, 6166; STC 6166; ESTC S109186