Den Danske Atlas, Eller Konge-Riget Dannemark Med Dets Naturlige Egenskaber, Elenmenter, Indbyggere, Boexter...Volumes 1 & 5
Kobenhavn: 1763. F. (32) + 524 + (10) pages; with 7 engravings including frontispiece, by Bouche, Kirkall, Pigne and printers' ornaments, head and tail-piece decorations throughout; a translation of the stoic philosopher Seneca's work, by Sir Roger L'Estrange (1616-1704) British author and press censor, possessor of a very long career as a "...propagandist, censor, pamphleteer, and editor in the Stuart interest...a spokesman for the most vindictive party of the old royalists..." and royal 'licenser': " - The licenser's responsibilities included the rewriting of exceptionable passages. William Lilly complained that his almanacs had been 'macerated, obliterated, sliced and quartered' by 'old Crackfart' (one of L'Estrange's many nicknames).. he never for a moment accepted the desirability of a free press." while at the same time "... it is difficult not to respect his courage and tenacity, especially when displayed against opponents as ruthless as Oates and Shaftesbury. His hatred of hypocrisy and ingratitude was genuine and lifelong." (Harold Love in the DNB); approx. 5" x 7 3/4" size; previous owner name on front endpaper, not decipherable; bound in contemporary full polished leather, with blind-stamped decorations set out in panels, spine with some remains of old gilt ornamentation, all edges lightly sprinkled red; binding very worn, top cover detached, one plate with c-shaped loss of a 1" piece at margin; text and plates fairly fresh and clean, with the occasional pencil note or mark; in good condition. Item #23195
Price: $250.00