Lot 219
Smith, Henry
Rare Books, Maps and Manuscripts
Auction: 11 January 2012 at 11:00 GMT
Description
The benefite of contentation. Newly examined & corrected by the author. London: Abell Jeffries., 1591. 8vo, 20 unnumbered leaves, large woodcut first initial and headpiece, title-page with large and curious printer's woodcut device, 19th century morocco gilt, a little rubbed and scuffed, light waterstain to upper part of middle leaves, a few marginalia, lower blank margin of 4 leaves cut away at lower edge
Footnote
Note: STC 22696. Not in Lowndes.
A witty, pithy sermon on the subject of earthly contentment by the Anglican divine and Puritan preacher Henry Smith (1550-1591?), seven editions of which were printed in less than two years, most now known only by a single copy. Smith was very popular and at one time considered the finest preacher in England, enthralling audiences at St Clement Danes on the Strand.