Memoirs Illustrative of the Life and Writings of John Evelyn

Memoirs Illustrative of the Life and Writings of John Evelyn, Esq. F.R.S. Author of the “Sylva,” &c. &c. Comprising His Diary, From the Year 1641 to 1705-6, and a Selection of His Familial Letters. To Which is Subjoined, The Private Correspondence Between King Charles I, and his Secretary of State, Sir Edward Nicholas

Gorgeous 19th century full red leather binding, gilt with raised bands and blind-stamped patterns with only minor sunning and general wear. Spine of vol. 2 is lifting, but still attached. Gilt edges. Former owner’s book label on the front pastedown. Text continues absent title pages for volumes 2, 3 and 5. The second edition had 11 plates (instead of the 8 plus 2 fold-out charts in the first edition. Edited by William Bray. Unique in that this copy is EXTRA ILLUSTRATED (originally 2 volumes, expanded to 5), with beautiful artwork from the 17th through 19th centuries with depictions of people and places mentioned in the text, as well as extra pictures of the author. The first volume has a partially torn plate, and minor dampstaining. Occasional minimal offset, due to protective tissues, plus the rare bit of soiling and foxing.

Added plates: (1) 69, (2) 100, (3) 79, (4) 74, (5) 33. John Evelyn published books on arboriculture, architecture, gardening, and navigation, but he is best remembered for this memoir. This second edition was expanded with additional letters and papers. It covers his entire life, highlighting descriptions of his contemporaries and continental travels, shown in the plates added by the former owner. #30279

Henry Colburn
1819
London