07-20-201807-21-2018
Skinner Auctions
Skinner AuctionsBoston MA
3117BBoston
July 20, 2018 12:00 PMCalender
75

Gesner, Conrad (1516-1565) The Newe Iewell of Health, wherein is Contayned the Most Excellent Secretes of Phisicke and Philosophie, Dev

Sell one like this
$15,990$13,000
Auction: Books & Manuscripts - 3117BLocation: BostonDate / Time: July 20, 2018 12:00PM

Description:

Gesner, Conrad (1516-1565) The Newe Iewell of Health, wherein is Contayned the Most Excellent Secretes of Phisicke and Philosophie, Devided into Fower Bookes. London: by Henrie Denham, 1576. First edition, quarto, large woodcut on title, illustrated with numerous text woodcuts throughout, including three large woodcuts on each of the three divisional titles, later calf, a.e.g., 7 1/2 x 5 in.

This English translation of Gesner's Thesaurus Euonymi Philiatri de remediis secretis, first published in Latin in 1552, takes as its subject the chemical preparation of medicines by distillation. George Baker, the family physician of the de Veres wrote the translation, and dedicated his work to Anne Cecil de Vere, Countess of Oxford, whose arms appear on the verso of the title-page. Baker contends that his translation was intentionally opaque "I would not have every ignorant asse to be made a chirurgian by my book, for they would do more harm with it than good."

The Newe Iewell of Health plays a part in the Anti-Stratfordian conspiracies surrounding Shakespeare's identity. Those who promote Edward de Vere, 17th Earl Oxford as the true Shakespeare draw a connection between George Baker's presence in the de Vere household, and Sonnet 119's allusions to alchemical apparatus illustrated in this book.

A/*4, A-Y8, Aa-Ll8, Mm2.
http://estc.bl.uk/S103060
Estimate $8,000-12,000


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

Keywords

Edward de Vere, Earl Oxford, Anne Cecil de Vere, London