Markham, Five Decades of Epistles of Warre, London, 1622, contemporary calf

MARKHAM, FRANCIS

Five Decades of Epistles of Warre. London: Augustine Matthews, 1622

FIRST EDITION, folio (290 x 195mm.), without initial blank, contemporary speckled calf, black morocco lettering-piece, inscription in Hebrew on title-page in a Christian Hebraist hand ("To Markham, [may he be] remembered to God"), first few leaves affected by mould, damp staining, title page browned, binding worn at corners and hinges with some loss at spine

Markham (1565-1627) had served in the Low Countries and Ireland. He describes the duties of each rank of the army and the training of soldiers. He was keen to promote study among professional soldiers and his work was considered useful by his contemporaries. He was the older brother of Gervase Markham (see lots 298-299).

LITERATURE:

STC 17332; Cockle 96

PROVENANCE:

Richard Wiboron 1671, inscription on title-page; Albert Way, inscription on front pastedown (presumably that of Albert Way, antiquary, 1805-74)