Lot 573
Edward Topsel and Thomas Muffet. The History of Four-Footed Beasts and Serpents. "Whereunto is now Added The Theater of Insects…" London: E. Cotes, T. Williams, T. Johnson, 1658. An oversized volume measuring 13½x9", and three inches thick. Professionally rebound with marble boards and a leather spine that shows gold-stamped title and decoration. Overall light page toning; text is sharp and dark. This massive 1130-page compendium of the "known" creatures of the world at the time has numerous engravings, including some full-page graphics of an elephant and a rhinoceros. In the serpent section, a plate shows a sea serpent devouring a ship, a seven-headed hydra, and various dragons. Sixteen pages are devoted to dragons, including a cure for dragon bites. Dragon sightings in Germany in 1543 are discussed: "there came many serpents with wings and legs into parts of Germany near Stiria, who did bite and wound many men uncurably." A rare and desirable volume for the discriminating antiquarian book enthusiast or aficionado of natural history.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500.
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| Realized $1,200 |
