Bacon, Sir Francis

4to (8 1/4 x 6 1/8 in.; 209 x 156 mm). With the final blank but without the two errata leaves found in a few copies; light marginal dampstains towards the end, annotations and underscorings in a contemporary hand. Contemporary limp vellum, paneled gilt, acorn centerpiece, manuscript title on spine; ties lost, half of the front free endpaper torn away, the free endpapers contain a selective list of subjects in a contemporary hand. Brown solander case by Riviere and Son.

John Locker (1693–1760, the collector of Bacon manuscripts; given by him to) — an unknown friend (pencil inscription dated 26 July 1746 on verso of front free endpaper) — Rev. T. Scott, rector of Kings Stanley, Gloucestershire, in T. King's London rooms, 27 June 1801) — Richard Heber (1773–1833, with his acquisition note on upper free endpaper; part 12, in Wheatley's London rooms, 1 July 1836, lot 157 (part)) — William Henry Miller (1789–1848, of Britwell Court, Bucks. by descent to — S.R. Christie Miller; Sotheby's, part 13, 31 March 1924, lot 44) — A.S.W. Rosenbach (for his private collection) — Harrison D. Horblit, (label; Sotheby's London, Part 1, 10–11 June 1974, lot 67, to the House of El Dieff) — The Garden Ltd. (acquired from El Dieff, March 1977; morocco booklabel; Sotheby's New York, 9 November 1989, lot 82). acquisition: Purchased from the foregoing sale through Bernard Quaritch

STC 1164; ESTC S100507; Gibson 81; Grolier/Horblit 8a; Pforzheimer 36. For the binding: see also The Collection of the Garden Ltd. Magnificent Books and Manuscripts, Sotheby's, 9–10 November 1989, lot 83). 

4to (8 1/4 x 6 1/8 in.; 209 x 156 mm). With the final blank but without the two errata leaves found in a few copies; light marginal dampstains towards the end, annotations and underscorings in a contemporary hand. Contemporary limp vellum, paneled gilt, acorn centerpiece, manuscript title on spine; ties lost, half of the front free endpaper torn away, the free endpapers contain a selective list of subjects in a contemporary hand. Brown solander case by Riviere and Son.
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, the Heber-Britwell-Horblit-Garden copy and one of a few copies printed on large paper, this being one of the large papers mentioned in the Pforzheimer catalogue. The binding is identical to that of the Sheppard copy from the Thornton Hill Library that also sold in the Garden sale; and both copies contain identical manuscript side-notes, in the same elegant italic hand on 2K2r ("Pars Physiognomae, de gestu siue moto corporis") and 2Z3r ("De negotiis gerendis").