[10], 78, [6], 723 (i.e. 737), [10] pp. Copper-engraved added pictorial title-page (from the 4th edition). No printed title-page. (folio) 29.3x19 cm (11½x7½"), modern three-quarter mottled calf & marbled boards, spine tooled in gilt, raised bands, morocco lettering pieces, new endpaper supplied when bound, all edges gilt. Seventh Edition.
With the illustrated title page from the fourth edition by German engraver Michel Le Blond, featuring 10 illustrations, 9 of which showing figures representing the effects of melancholy. The final illustration is a portrait of the author. The title-page is remargined so it is the same sized as the rest of the book. The preliminary leaf, with half-title and "The Argument of the Frontispiece" is present - it has a little edge wear and a small piece missing at top, which is present and loose, and could be re-attached. Burton (1577-1640) continually changed and augmented his work and prepared six editions of this book before his death. On being asked why he chose such a subject, he replied, "I write of melancholy by being busy to avoid melancholy." STC (2nd ed.), 4162; Madan, I, p. 162.
The provenance of the book, and the circumstances of its rebinding, are described in a note written by the former owner in 1966, which is laid into the book: "Purchased minus binding at Brattle Bookshop Cornhill Boston May 1964 for 25.00. Left at Lauriat's Franklin Street Boston same day to be bound. Mr. Sawyer of Lauriat's sent book to England to be bound. Took about 2 months, price was 25.00. Brattle bookshop had recently had a fire. Book appears to be slightly damaged by heat. Note title-page of fourth edition cleverly inserted. Book itself appears to be seventh edition (1660). See Paul Jordan-Smith: 'For the Love of Books' Oxford University Press, New York, 1934 P.159."
Condition:
Contents a little darkened and foxed, with a somewhat smoky smell (a survivor of a fire at Brattle Bookshop in Boston); very good, in fine modern binding.