Essayes Or Rather, Encomions, Prayses of Sadnesse: and of the Emperour Julian the Apostata
Sir William Cornwallis
London, 1616
 
First edition, 7 x 4 3/4 in. Margins and some side printed notes slightly shaved as often seen, small mended tear on F4, else a Fine, crisp copy with a lofty provenance and binding.
 
From the libraries of noted collectors of early English books, Robert Pirie and Brent Gration-Maxfield - the latter’s extensive pencil notes on the endpapers and personalized binding of elaborately gilt-tooled green morocco. 
 
In the first work, Cornwallis expounds on the necessity and benefits of sadness - a life companion that ultimately fosters goodness and wisdom. The second work is an exposition of Roman Emperor, Julian the Apostate, who despite his Christian upbringing went on an aggressive mission to return the empire to paganism during his reign. 
 
A really beautiful copy of a scarce book by the important early English essayist.