HOBBES | Leviathan, London, 1651 [i.e. 1678], later calf gilt

HOBBES, THOMAS

Leviathan, or the matter, forme, & power of a common-wealth ecclesiasticall and civill. London: Andrew Ckooke, 1651 [i.e. John Redmayne and Christoffel Cunradus, 1678]

folio (290 x 185mm.), additional engraved title-page, letterpress title-page with bear and foliage ornament, folding letterpress plate, later calf panelled and gilt in period style, by Ramage of London, spine gilt in compartments, gilt edges, occasional light foxing or browning, engraved title reattached, boards detached

Second and pirated issue of Hobbes's political masterpiece (see previous lot for the original 1651 edition), which had been banned in England by the censors. This later printing can also be identified by the fainter impression of the engraved title-page with its striking and memorable imagery of a giant composed of smaller individuals and holding a sword and a crozier.

LITERATURE:

Macdonald & Hargreaves, Hobbes 43; Wing H2247