Highlights

FIRST PUBLISHED POEM BY THE POET AND DRAMATIST THOMAS RANDOLPH

1. CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY

  Epithalamium Illustriss. & Felicis. Principum Caroli Regis, et H.Mariae Reginae Magnae Britanniae, &c. A Musis Cantabrigiensibus decantatum.

(Cambridge) Excudebat Cantrellus Legge, Almae Matris Cantabrigiae Typographus, 1625.

First edition, 4to., small split in blank portion of title page, (2), 80pp (without the initial blank leaf, recently bound in plain boards.

A collection of “nuptial” Latin poems written by members of the University of Cambridge to celebrate the marriage of King Charles I with Henrietta Maria. Of particular importance is the inclusion of a full page poem by the dramatist and poet Thomas Randolph (1605 - 1635) which appears to be his first and previously unnoticed appearance in print. See entries in C.B.E.L. and D.N.B. STC 4484 cASE 65b (variant with “AE” of “MARIAE” printed vertically.

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AN IMPORTANT PROCLAMATION

2. CHARLES II

  By the King. A Proclamation for Restraint of Killing, Dressing, and Eating of Flesh in Lent, or on Fish-days, appointed by the Law to be observed

London by John Bill, 1660 (ie 1661).

Broadside, 4 sheet, oblong folio, joined as one long sheet, printed one side

An important Proclamation giving in some details the rules to be observed and the penalties for non observance. Wing C3421A Steele 3288

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GEOGRAPHICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE WORLD FIRST INCLUDED

3. CLARKE, Samuel. (All by this author)

  A Mirrour or Looking-Glasse Both for Saints, and Sinners, Held forth in some thousands of Examples; Wherein is presented, as Gods wounderful Mercies to the one, so his severe Judgments against the other. Collected out of the most Classique Authors, both Ancient, and Modern, with some late Examples observed by myself, and others. Whereunto are added a Geographical description of all the Countries in the known World: as also the Wonders of God in Nature; and the Rare, Stupendious, and Costly Works made by the Art, and Industry of Man. As the most famous Cities, Temples, Structures, Statues, Cabinets of Rarities, &c. which have been, or are now in the WORLD

London by T.R. and E.M. for Tho. Newberry, 1657.

Third edition, very much enlarged, folio, engraved portrait, engraved illustrated half title, small tear neatly repaired, both slightly dusty, (16), 702, (12), 225, (9)pp., rebound in old style quarter calf.

The "Geographicall Description of all the Countries in the Known World" was first published in 1657 both in a separate issue and it's inclusion in this work. The only difference between the two being that the last numbered page in the separate issue is incorrectly numbered as "219". It is not clear which version was the first published. There is a slight variation in the collation of the copy recorded in ESTC on line (16), 702, (14), 225, (9) and this copy (16) 702, (12), 225, (9). The work is foliated in 4's. The "Mirrour" ends properly in this copy at "xxxx4" and the "Geographicall Description" starts properly on "A1" indicating that the collation given in ESTC is incorrect. America is described in the "Geographicall Description" on pages 169-190.

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ON THE PROPOSED "WEST INDIA DOCK" - 1795

4. COLLIER, Henry. (All by this author)

  Autograph Letter written to the Alnwick Solicitor Thomas Adams referring to his application to purchase Young's Key and now his wish to withdraw this offer with his reasons because of the knowledge he has received of an intent to construct the "West India Dock".

London, 20 May 1795.

Folio, 3 pages, entirely holograph, approx 400 words, one small hole partly affecting two words, integral address leaf with remains of seal and postmark, has been folded for mailing.

Due to the large increase in produce (Sugar, Coffee, Rum &c) coming from the West Indies after the taking of the French Islands of Martinique, St. Lucia &c. Henry Collier had made an application to purchase Young's Key (Quay) to the East of London on the River Thames. However he has just received information to the effect that a Resolution of the Merchants was in hand for the "Erection of West Wet Docks" which if an Act of Parliament was achieved would materially effect the legal Keys. In view of this he wishes to withdraw his offer. The Proprietors of the Keys and the City of London have made a spirited opposition to the plan and have prevented discussion of the Petition in this Session. Collier's fears were justified because an Act of Parliament was obtained in 1799 and the dock opened in 1803. This was the start of the hightly successful London Dock System. Young's Key which dated back to the 17th Century was situated on Lower Thames Strteet between Wiggin's Key and Ralph's Key.

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IMPORTANT MANUSCRIPT IN ADVANCING CATHOLIC EMANCIPATION

5. COMMITTEE OF ENGLISH CATHOLICS

  Autograph Letter written to William Pitt forwarding to him the Opinions of the Universitiesof Europe, which was in response to the queries proposed to them by the English Catholics

(London?), 20th April 1789.

4to., & folio, letter of 2 pages written in a secretary hand but signed by the 6 members of the Catholic Committe, with integral leaf, folded, plus the 57 leaf folio report in neat Secretary hand in parallel Latin and English, some damp staining to upper parts, the whole recently bound in neat buckram

In 1788 the Committee of English Catholics presented to William Pitt, the Prime Minister a Memorial stating the grievances of the English Catholics from which they claimed relief. It was received favourably and Pitt requested evidence of the opinions of the Catholic Clergy and Universites abroad. This was obtained from the Universites of the Sorbonne, Louvain and Douay and here presented to Pitt with a covering letter signed by the members of the Committe- "Charles Berington, Petre, Henry C Englefield, John Throckmorton, William Fermor & Thomas Hornyold" The result was that this was an important move which helped to modify the relief Bill of 1791. Bookplate of "Sir Joseph Radcliffe, Bart. Rudding Park."

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