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BRATHWAITE, Richard (ca 1588-1673). The English Gentleman: Containing Sundry excellent Rules or exquisite Observations, tending to Direction of every Gentleman, of selecter ranke and qualitie; How to demeane or accommodate himselfe in the manage of publike or private affaires. London: John Haviland for Robert Bostock, 1630.
4o (174 x 130 mm). Engraved frontispiece with full-length portrait of the author surrounded by vignettes by Robert Vaughan, folding letterpress leaf entitled "A Draught of the Frontispice" at beginning (split at fold, a few border-rules shaved, slight darkening throughout). Black morocco, spine gilt, gilt edges by C. Walters (light wear to upper joint); slipcase. Provenance: Marshall C. Lefferts (bookplate); Henry W. Poor (bookplate); Walter T. Wallace (bookplate); Harry and Caresse Crosby (bookplate); Philip M. Neufeld (his sale Christie's New York, 25 April 1995, lot 65).
FIRST EDITION of this important English courtesy book by the most prolific writer for the rising gentry. "In Brathwaite's English Gentleman the chief interests are both professional and familial--on the public duties of the soldier, statesman, and justice of the peace, and on the private responsibilities of the husband, father, and householder. Like most advice-givers of the time, Braithwait counsels moderation--the 'golden mean' in everything, including attendance at plays--and he shows a special interest in sports (the chief occupation of country gentlemen)" Crowell's Handbook of Elizabethan & Stuart Literature, p. 83. English courtesy literature played a significant role in the development of drama and comedy in the English Renaissance. Grolier Wither to Prior 66; STC 3563.
4o (174 x 130 mm). Engraved frontispiece with full-length portrait of the author surrounded by vignettes by Robert Vaughan, folding letterpress leaf entitled "A Draught of the Frontispice" at beginning (split at fold, a few border-rules shaved, slight darkening throughout). Black morocco, spine gilt, gilt edges by C. Walters (light wear to upper joint); slipcase. Provenance: Marshall C. Lefferts (bookplate); Henry W. Poor (bookplate); Walter T. Wallace (bookplate); Harry and Caresse Crosby (bookplate); Philip M. Neufeld (his sale Christie's New York, 25 April 1995, lot 65).
FIRST EDITION of this important English courtesy book by the most prolific writer for the rising gentry. "In Brathwaite's English Gentleman the chief interests are both professional and familial--on the public duties of the soldier, statesman, and justice of the peace, and on the private responsibilities of the husband, father, and householder. Like most advice-givers of the time, Braithwait counsels moderation--the 'golden mean' in everything, including attendance at plays--and he shows a special interest in sports (the chief occupation of country gentlemen)" Crowell's Handbook of Elizabethan & Stuart Literature, p. 83. English courtesy literature played a significant role in the development of drama and comedy in the English Renaissance. Grolier Wither to Prior 66; STC 3563.