[Conduct Book] The English gentleman: containing sundry excellent rules, or exquisite observations, tending to direction of every gentleman, of selecter ranke and qualitie; how to demeane or accommodate hi mselfe in the manage of publike or private affaires by BRATHWAITE, Richard (1588?-1673) - 1633

London: Printed by Felix Kyngston [and R. Badger], and are to be sold by Robert Bostocke at his shop at the signe of the Kings head in Pauls Church-yard, 1633. Full Calf. Near Fine. Second Edition, revised, corrected and enlarged (though Church calls it a "paginary reprint of the First," which it appears to be) of this classic courtsey book. Small 4to: [24],456,[4]pp, with additional, engraved emblematic title page, signed "Ro: Vaughan fecit." Bound to style in modern paneled calf, spine in five compartments decorated in blind, black morocco lettering piece gilt, gilt date stamped at foot, end papers renewed. Internally, few penciled marks, very occasional foxing, otherwise clean and bright except for first and final few leaves (engraved title page evenly toned and edge-worn, as is the title page, though less so). Collated and complete but for folding letterpress explanation of emblematic title page ('Draught of the Frontispi[e]ce'), which often seems wanting. Wither to Prior 67. Church Library 192. Newberry (Courtesy Books) 207. ESTC Citation No. S104637. One of the crucial conduct books of the seventeenth century for the rising gentry (first published in 1630), copies of which arrived in colonial America with the earliest settlers, describing the attributes of an English Gentleman in eight categories (as depicted on the emblematic title page): youth, disposition, education, vocation, recreation, acquaintance, moderation, and perfection. Known to earlier ages as a poet and author of topographical writings "whose rollicking style prefigures the picaresque novel of the eighteenth century," Brathwaite has recently "come to be most commonly associated with the lengthy conduct books he wrote in the 1630s: The English Gentleman (1630) and The English Gentlewoman (1631), both of which went through several editions and expansions in his lifetime. Both texts have become important documents for social historians and for those interested in cultural practice." (ODNB) N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed.