M[ONTAGU] | The Queens Closet Opened, 1658

From the Library of the Earls of Haddington

M[ONTAGU], W[ALTER]

The Queens Closet Opened: incomparable secrets in physick, chyrurgery, preserving, candying, and cookery; as they were presented unto the Queen by the most experienced persons of our times, many whereof were honoured with her own practise, when she pleased to descend to these more private recreations. Nathaniel Brooks, 1658

8vo, fourth edition corrected with many additions, portrait frontispiece of Henrietta Maria by W. Faithorne, second and third parts with separate title-pages, third part with separate pagination, 14pp. publisher's advertisements at end, contemporary calf, internal hinges starting, browning, bumped

The book has been attributed to Walter Montague, the personal secretary of Henrietta Maria wife of Charles I. The Queens Closet Opened offered readers a rare glimpse into the domestic secrets of royalty, specifically the unpopular French widow of the executed King. The title would have resonated with contemporary readers as a reference to the scandalous publication of the King and Queen's private letters in 1645 titled The King's Cabinet Opened.

LITERATURE:

ESTC R22538; R218148

PROVENANCE:

R. Binning, signature on title-page; thence by descent to the Earls of Haddington

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