THE ILLUSTRIOUS HISTORY OF WOMEN, or A Compendium of the many Virtues that Adorn the Fair Sex Represented not only in Lively and Pathetical Discourses grounded upon Reason, but in Sundry rare Examples of Virtuous Love, Piety, Prudence, Modesty, Chastity, Patience, Hnmility [sic], Temperance, Conduct, Constancy and Firmness of Mind; with what else

FIRST EDITION 12mo. (approx. 14.5 x 8.5cm) original full calf binding with no endpapers and 17th century printed papers lining boards visible. Engraved frontispiece with jagged outer and lower edges where the other half of the fold-out illustration has been lost (please see photos). Title page with verso printed with words "This may be Printed November 21 1685. R. L. S." 3pp. Preface, 19pp. Introduction, 158pp. Text, 4pp. Publisher's List, 2pp. blank. Ink name and date (1829) to blank facing front pastedown and top of title page. One line of text on title page underlined in pencil and a few pencil notes to blank facing rear pastedown. Leaf of pp.63/64 has been removed. Occasional light foxing and browning. Small tears to foredge of some pages through use. One tiny hole to title page and slightly larger worm hole to couple of pages at rear. Covers somewhat worn and rubbed, particularly spine which has small hole towards base. Dent to top edge of upper board. Overall a Good, Sound Copy of an extremely scarce title.