The boke named the Gouernour, / deuised by Sir Thomas Elyot, knight. (Original 1553 edition).
London: In Flete Street in the House of Thomas Berthelet, 1553. 16mo. 14x9.5 cm (5½ x 3¾"),; early vellum, rebacked with later vellum. [7 (of 8)], 215 (of 216) leaves. A⁸ A-2D⁸. The 3 missing leaves: title page, p. 216 and the colophon have been replaced with high quality images printed on antique paper, correctly bound-in...
An early printing of this notable treatise on moral philosophy, intended to direct the education of those destined to fill high positions, and to inculcate those moral principles which alone could fit them for the performance of their duties. It was first published in 1531, with a number of other 16th century editions. This copy has f.91 incorrectly numbered 19, and f.103 numbered 102, which seems to suggest the 1553 date is correct, according to auction records. It is at least, with little doubt, a 16th century printing. There are several instances of early ink marginalia.... References: English short title catalogue, S105376; Carl H. Pforzheimer Library, 354; McKerrow & Ferguson 21; ESTC S100446; STC (2nd ed.), 7639; William Andrews Clark Memorial Library, Chrzanowski 1553e ;. Item #51-5267
Price: $4,500.00