Essays of Michael Seigneur de Montaigne. In Three Books. With Marginal Notes and Quotations of the Cited Authors, and an Account of the Author’s Life. New Rendred into English by Charles Cotton, Esq.
London: T. Basset at the George in Fleet Street, and M. Gilliflower and W. Hensman in Westminster-Hall, 1685-6.
Three volumes.
Volume I: London, printed for T. Basset at the George in Fleet Street, and M. Gilliflower and W. Hensman in Westminster-Hall, 1685.
Volume II: same printers, dated 1686.
Volume III: same printers, dated 1685.
Each volume in contemporary full calf, now showing pronounced wear. Spines are cracked with losses along the joints and headcaps, and boards are loose or detached in places as shown. Leather is dry with surface losses and darkening. Red spine labels (“VOL. I,” “VOL. II,” “VOL. III”) remain legible. The engraved portrait frontispiece of Montaigne appears in Volumes I and II. Text blocks appear complete, with gatherings intact and no missing leaves visible in the provided openings. Pages show even toning and scattered foxing typical of the period. Early handwritten names appear at several title-page headers. One endpaper in Volume III shows old water staining limited to the edge. No modern repairs are visible. Custom modern clamshell cases—one for each volume—are included and appear unused.
This is the celebrated first complete English translation of Montaigne by Charles Cotton, a landmark in early modern philosophy and essay writing. Cotton’s translation shaped the English-speaking world’s understanding of Montaigne for more than two centuries and influenced later essayists from Addison and Johnson to Emerson. Complete 17th-century sets survive but are increasingly uncommon, and sets retaining the engraved portraits are valued for their integrity. The accompanying custom clamshell cases enhance stability and long-term preservation, particularly given the original bindings’ fragility.
Early handwritten owner names on the title pages. No bookplates visible. The bindings suggest long private ownership. The modern custom cases indicate more recent stewardship by a collector attentive to conservation needs. Store case 2.
Price: $1,500.00