CONFUCIUS
The Morals of Confucius, A Chinese Philosopher. London: Randal Taylor, 1691 [but circa 1760 or later]. Contemporary calf, rebacked in leather preserving a red morocco spine label. With folding frontispiece. 6 3/4 x 4 inches (17 x 10 cm); with folding frontispiece, xx, 183 pp. Very clean within, lightly toned and occasional spotting, the frontis slightly offset to title, the upper joint split, the boards rubbed, the pastedown with the ink signature and markings of "Henricus A. Busch/Liverpool 1776".
Early editions of The Morals of Confucius are uncommon, including this edition printed in the third quarter of the 18th century but retaining the imprint of the 1691 first edition. While often attributed to circa 1780, the 1776 ownership signature suggests an earlier printing date, and some sources claim this edition reprinted as early as 1760. See Wing C5806.
Sold for $812
Estimated at $700 - $1,000
Includes Buyer's Premium
CONFUCIUS
The Morals of Confucius, A Chinese Philosopher. London: Randal Taylor, 1691 [but circa 1760 or later]. Contemporary calf, rebacked in leather preserving a red morocco spine label. With folding frontispiece. 6 3/4 x 4 inches (17 x 10 cm); with folding frontispiece, xx, 183 pp. Very clean within, lightly toned and occasional spotting, the frontis slightly offset to title, the upper joint split, the boards rubbed, the pastedown with the ink signature and markings of "Henricus A. Busch/Liverpool 1776".
Early editions of The Morals of Confucius are uncommon, including this edition printed in the third quarter of the 18th century but retaining the imprint of the 1691 first edition. While often attributed to circa 1780, the 1776 ownership signature suggests an earlier printing date, and some sources claim this edition reprinted as early as 1760. See Wing C5806.
Auction: Rare Books, Autographs & Maps, Dec 16, 2022