Politique discourses: treating of the differences and inequalities of vocations, as well publique, as priuate: with the scopes or endes wherevnto they are directed. Translated out of French, by Ægremont Ratcliffe Esquire

London: [by T. Dawson?] for Edward Aggas, 1578. RATCLIFFE, Aegremont. First Edition in English

[LA PLACE, Pierre-Antoine de]. RATCLIFFE, Aegremont, [translator]. Politique discourses, treating of the differences and inequalities of vocations, as well publique, as priuate: with the scopes or endes wherevnto they are directed. Translated out of French, by Ægremont Ratcliffe Esquire London: [by T. Dawson?] for Edward Aggas, 1578.

First English edition, a translation of Discours politiques sur la voye d'enter deuëment aux estats. Small quarto (6 3/4 x 4 3/4 inches; 171 x 120 mm). [1]-81, [1, blank] leaves. Title within engraved border and with engraved printer's device. With engraved historiated initials. With final blank. "Anonymous. By Pierre de la Place. Printer's name conjectured by STC" (BL). We could find no copies at auction in the past 35 years.

Modern half black morocco over marbled boards. Spine lettered and ruled in gilt. Edges speckled brown. Title-page lightly toned with fore-margin a bit frayed and a small repair to upper, outer corner. Pages trimmed close at top margin, affecting some headlines and page numbers. The first 20 leaves with some marginal worming, occasionally barley touching text or affecting printed side-notes. Overall a very good copy.

The English translation of La Place's Discours politiques sur la voye d'enter deuëment aux estats, Politique discourses is a "treatise covering statesmanship, government office, military conduct, marriage and domestic ethics." (Forum Auctions).

Egremont Radcliffe, rebel and alleged assassin took part in the Rising of the North of 1569. "Radcliffe was sent to the Tower of London—it was reported to Spain that he was about to make false statements against Philip and would claim that the latter planned to retaliate for English provocations. He carved his name in the Beauchamp Tower, and wrote Politique Discourses Translated out of French (1578), which he dedicated to Walsingham. It was a personal volte-face, advocating acceptance of the social and political order. He might well ask, 'who ever sawe so many discontented persons ... so many controllers of princes and their procedinges: and so fewe imbracing obedience?' (E. Radcliffe, Politique Discourses, 1578, sig. A3v)." (Oxford DNB).

ESTC S110593.

HBS 68232.

$5,500.