Miscellanea

London: Jacob Tonson; Awnsham and John Churchill, 1696-97. Leather. Good. 7.5" by 4.5". None. The collected essays of the leading statesman William Temple, including his works pondering politics and medical issues. Complete as two volumes in one. Part One is the fifth edition, dated 1697. Part Two is the fourth edition, dated 1696. The general title page states 'fifth edition', dated 1697. ESTC citation number R33907.Each part has a separate pagination and register.Register runs as: [2], B-P8, Q4, [6], B-Z8, Aa2.Collated, complete.'Miscellanea' includes ten of William Temple's brilliant essays, including 'An Essay Upon the Original and Nature of Government', 'An Essay Upon the Advancement of Trade in Ireland', 'An Essay Upon the Cure of the Gout by Moxa', 'Upon Ancient and Modern Learning', and 'Upon the Gardens of Epicurus'.Temple was a prominent diplomat and essayist of the seventeenth century, a leading adviser to Charles II before falling out with the King. He is remembered for many reasons, most importantly his writing on the designs of Chinese gardens, and for employing a young Jonathan Swift as his secretary. Bookplate of David Stather to the front paste down. In a full calf binding. Externally, a little worn. A little loss to the head of the spine, and to the extremities. Aged ink to the head of the spine. Crack to the head of the rear joint. Boards and spine are a little discoloured and rubbed. Two small cracks to the head of the spine. Spots to the fore edge and endpapers. Bookplate to the front paste down. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are very lightly age-toned with some spots. Good