Cyder. A Poem in Two Books
London: Printed for Jacob Tonson, within Grays-Inn Gate next Grays-Inn Lane, 1708. Half-Calf. First Edition (ordinary issue) of this verse account of the culture of the apple tree and the manufacture of cider, with pp. 44 and 46 signed with asterisks, catchword "when" on p. 68, p. 74 correctly numbered, and final word "destitute" on line 12, p. 44. Williams argues that the large-paper copies "represent a later issue of the type" and constitute "a second issue of the poem." Slim foolscap 8vo (177 x 109mm): [4],89,[1]pp, with engraved frontispiece of orchard workers and woodcut head pieces and historiated initials. Later half brown calf, russet cloth sides, gilt title and date to spine direct, edges stained russet, end papers renewed. Old, very skillful repair to title page (not affecting lettering) where previous owner's name was excised, tight (but not thread) margins, still a collectible copy, tightly bound and generally clean throughout. Foxon P237. Rothschild 1534 and 1535. Hayward 143. Williams, pp. 92-93. Cagle 923. Bibliotheca Gastronomica 1161. Near Fine+. Item #BB2268
Written in imitation of the Georgics. "The most important of Philips's productions . . . Phillip Miller, the botanist, told [Dr.] Johnson that 'there were many books written on the same subject in prose which did not contain so much truth as that poem.'" (DNB) N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed. (Fine Editions Ltd is a member of the Independent Online Booksellers Association, and we subscribe to its codes of ethics.).
Price: $251.00