Camden | Britannia, 1607

CAMDEN, WILLIAM
Britannia. London: George Bishop and John Norton, 1607

FIRST EDITION, folio (330 x 220mm.), engraved additional title and 57 maps by William Kip and William Hole after John Norden, Christopher Saxton and George Owen, most double-page, 8 full-page engraved illustrations of coins, woodcut illustrations in text, contemporary vellum with blind-stamped arms in black on upper cover, lacking last 4 leaves (5V1-4), leaf X3 misbound (but present), leaf 4H1 with signature corrected in manuscript, L2, L4 and map of Staffordshire browned, map of Denbigh with paper flaw just touching engraved area, binding somewhat soiled

A GOOD COPY IN A CONTEMPORARY ARMORIAL BINDING OF THE FIRST EDITION OF CAMDEN'S BRITANNIA TO BE PUBLISHED WITH MAPS. From the library of George-Barthold Pontanus of Braitenburg (d.1616), a theologian and poet, who was made Poet Laureate to Rudolf II in 1588, and later made canon and prevost of Prague cathedral.

LITERATURE:
Skelton 5

PROVENANCE:
George-Barthold Pontanus of Braitenburg, arms on upper cover; Ferdinand Blümm (1768-1823, classical philologist), signature; ?Robert Duighiar, Sept 29 1856, inscription; "Eastham", old stamp

Condition Report:
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.

We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE.