[Rarebooks] FS: An exceptional 1st ed. of John Donne's "Poems" London: 1633

[Kenneth Karmiole]

Donne, John. POEMS, By J. D. With Elegies on the Authors Death. London: M. F. for John Marriot. 1633. First edition. 4to. (10),406pp. This copy with the fine (a strong impression) engraved portrait of Donne by Pierre Lambart (see below). Complete with both first and final blank leaves; the two inserted leaves (often lacking) bound after the title, "The printer to the understanders" ending with "Hexastichon Bibliopolae"; and with p. 273 (2N1) in the uncorrected state (without the running title and with 35 lines of text). Bound in full mottled calf, rebacked, with an ornately gilt spine by Lewis (i.e. Charles Lewis) circa 1820. A.e.g. A large, wide-margined copy (7-3/16" x 5-7/16"). With numerous contemporary annotations found on the front blank (including a copy of the 8-line poem on John Donne by Isaac Walton, in an unknown hand), and on 24 pages throughout the text. Many of the annotations concern people and dates, such as a note on p. 162 (referring to
 Marquesse Hamilton) "Who dyed in March 1625," or on p. 325 "Writ in Q. Eliza. Days probably about 1590." With the bookplate of Thomas Gaisford whose books were sold at Sotheby's in 1890 (item 625). It was purchased by Quaritch who then listed it in their catalog at 31 pounds, 10 shillings (this information from an old Sessler's of Philadelphia description, laid into the book). Title lightly soiled, otherwise a beautiful, fine copy. Housed in a calf folding box with Donne's motto "Antes Muerto que Mudado" stamped in gilt.     $45,000.00 (trade discount allowed)
The fine portrait by Lambart of John Donne at age 59, found in this copy, was first published in 1633, the year of POEMS, but it was not issued with the book. The portrait was added. A. Jessop's biography of Donne in the DNB states, "Copies
 of the quarto are sometimes found with the superb portrait of Donne... engraved by Lambart." Keynes further notes, "The POEMS contains no portrait, but the engraving by Lambart from THE LETTERS  [OF DONNE] 1651, is found inserted in some copies." See Keynes DONNE #78; Pforzheimer #296; Grolier Club. WITHER TO PRIOR #286; Grolier Club ONE HUNDRED BOOKS FAMOUS IN ENGLISH LITERATURE #25; STC 7045.

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