477

Geffrey Whitney (1548-1601)

A Choice of Emblemes. A Fragment.

Leiden: Printed in the house of Christopher Plantyn by Francis Raphelengius, 1586.
First edition of the first illustrated English emblem book, quarto, incomplete, 144 of 252 pages plus 5 duplicate pages from another copy; divisional title to second part present; illustrated with many text woodcut emblems throughout; bound in modern full morocco; stains, tears and other faults to contents; 8 x 6 in.

STC 25438; ESTC S119929; Langland to Wither 260.

Whitney's English contribution to the emblem book genre is regularly catalogued as, "known to Shakespeare." As a poet, he adds his insular take on this hitherto continental enterprise.

  • Condition: ***1-2, A2-3, B2-3, D-E4, H-K4, M4, N2-3, O-P4, Q1-3, R-S4, T1-2, 4, V4, X4 (single leaf), Y1-3, Z1-2, 4, b2-3, c1, c3-4, d3-4.

    Please contact us to request a condition report:
    Devon Eastland, Senior Specialist: [email protected]
    Grace Meschery-McCormack, Cataloguer: [email protected]


    Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

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April 23, 2026 10:30 AM EDT
New York, NY, US

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