[Emblem Book] 'S Werelts begin, midden, eynde, besloten in den trou-ring, met den proef-steen van den selven; [bound with] Lof-sang, op het geestelyk houwelyk van godes soone

t' Amsterdam: Hendrick vander Putte, Papier en Boekverkooper op't Water, in de Lootsman, [n.d.]. Vellum. Very Good+. Early eighteenth century edition (based on imprint) of the Dutch poet and politician's rhymed dissertations on marriage and conjugal fidelity, first published in Dordrecht, in 1637. 16mo (159 x 97mm): [44],673,[3]pp, with additional engraved title page to first work, two full-page portraits (of Anna Maria Schurmans and Jacob Cats), full-page allegorical engraving ("Het Derde Deel") and 51 half-page text engravings. Contemporary vellum, with "J. Cats" in manuscript to spine. Contemporary ownership inscriptions to fly leaves. Binding soiled but sound, pages and plates generally clean, with occasional browning, finger-soiling, and mild staining. Marginal loss to S3, affecting neither text nor the plate. Not in Landwehr or Praz. Cats was one of the distinguished writers of Holland's golden age, but his Orangist and Calvinistic opinions set him apart from the liberal school of Amsterdam poets. Still, for nearly two centuries, he enjoyed enormous popularity. In this, perhaps his most important work, Cats treats human behavior and society in all its aspects through the lens of marriage, both human and spiritual (the marriage of Christ and His Church). Examples are taken from the Bible (Adam and Eve, David and Abigail) and from classical and modern authors (Cyrus and Aspasia, Marc Anthony and Cleopatra). Also included are discussions of the breaking of marriage bonds, adultery, and the like. The second work, under separate half-title, translates as Laudatory Song on the Spiritual Marriage of the Son of God). 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.).