TUSSER, Thomas.

At London: Printed in the now dwelling house of Henrie Denham…1586

4to, pp. 160, 143–145, (1). Title within woodcut border and with the date first, text in black letter, printer’s device on last page. First 7 leaves cleaned probably at the time of binding and with very neat restoration in lower corners, final leaf a little soiled and stained and with small repair in two corners, upper margin cut a little close on some leaves. 19th century green straight-grained morocco (spine faded, extremities a little rubbed and head of spine slightly worn), gilt edges and inner gilt dentelles, all edges gilt. Inscribed on front free endpaper ”From the library of H. Thiggs(?) / Sotheby, April 1830 / lot 672. £2/6s/– W.T. — perfect.”

Later edition, but many of the earlier editions are known in very few copies, of the second printed book on agriculture in English, and probably the biggest-selling book of poetry of the reign of Elizabeth I. “This celebrated book must be regarded more as a series of good farming and domestic directions and axioms, than as a regular treatise upon agriculture… Such are the works of Tusser, writings which were long the handbook of the English country gentleman. That they were popular is evidenced by the rapid succession of copious editions… “Tusser’s book is also interesting from the information it gives us of the habits of the farmers of more than three centuries ago. It is evident that they were able to obtain fish, for in his directions for the daily diet he mentions for Lent, herrings and salt fish,…while for Christmas fare they seem to have enjoyed many of the modern standing dishes” (McDonald). STC 24382. Fussell, The old English farming books, pp. 8–9. McDonald, Agricultural writers, pp. 23–30.

Unsure of some of these terms? Click here to download a copy of Carter & Barker, ABC for Book Collectors (2006), which has full explanations.