Rider's British Merlin: For the Year of Our Lord God 1778.
Being the second after bissextile, or leap year. Adorned with many delightful and useful verities fitting all capacities in the islands of Great Britain's monarchy. With notes of husbandry, fairs, marts, high roads, and tables for many necessary uses. Compiled for his country's benefit. [Bound with:] The Court and City Register; or, Gentleman's Complete Annual Calendar, for the year 1778; containing new and correct lists of both houses of parliament. The court register. Lists of the army, navy, universities, public offices, hospitals, etc. With many improvements, and the addition of some new lists.
London: [first work] for the Company of Stationers, and sold by G. Hawkins; [second work] for J. Joliffe [and 24 others], 1778 Stock Code: 111954
A handsome Georgian-era almanac, in a highly attractive contemporary binding. Cardanus Rider is now believed to have been the pseudonym of physician and astronomer Richard Saunders (1613-1675). He was a member of the circle of William Lilly, whose own Merlin was first published in 1644; Rider's British Merlin was first published in in 1653, and was printed annually into the nineteenth century. The Court and City Register was first published in 1746. Provenance: from the collection of Hugh Selbourne MD, with his Selbourne Library ink-stamp to the title verso.
Description
2 works in one volume, duodecimo (138 x 80 mm). Contemporary English red morocco, richly gilt overall with cottage-roof panel design to covers incorporating floral sprays, raised bands to spine forming compartments, date direct to second gilt, remaining compartments richly gilt with floral motifs, all edges gilt, metal clasps, marbled endpapers. Housed in a custom marbled paper slipcase.
Illustrations
First work printed in red and black, and interleaved as usual; woodcut anatomical figure.
Condition
Joints and extremities very lightly rubbed, a few leaves towards the end of the second work closely trimmed at foot, with a few words on p. 231 and the signature mark on p. 237 just shaved. An excellent copy.
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