HOLLAND, Richard, M.D.

Observations on the Small Pox: or, An Essay to discover a more Effectual Method of Cure.

4 p.l., xix, 164 pp. 8vo, cont. mottled calf by John Brindley, single gilt fillet round sides, the four corners of each cover elaborately gilt with Brindley’s characteristic dolphins surmounted by crowns within circular wreaths, spine divided into six compartments, five of which with the golden fleece device in gilt, green morocco lettering piece in remaining compartment. London: J. Brindley, 1728.

First edition; an extraordinary “illuminated” copy with the title-page, initials, and section headings all heightened in gold, and bound by John Brindley, bookbinder to Frederick, Prince of Wales and Queen Caroline. The initials along with the vignettes and typographical ornaments at the beginning and end of each chapter have also been skillfully decorated in blue, red, and yellow. This remarkable book, with all the decorations contemporary, comes from the library at Marble Hill House, the Palladian villa constructed 1724-29 at Twickenham which was built by Henrietta Howard (ca. 1688-1767), countess of Suffolk and mistress of George II. Pope helped design the gardens and he, Gay, and George Berkeley were frequent visitors.

Henrietta Howard was an intimate of Queen Caroline, who encouraged the countess in her sexual relationship with King George II. The present book is dedicated to Queen Caroline and clearly there is some connection, because of its special illuminations and binding, between the Queen and Henrietta Howard. Could this have been the Queen’s copy or one specially prepared for her close and useful friend?

This book was printed by William Bowyer and his records show that 350 ordinary copies and 150 large-paper copies were printed.

Richard Holland (1688–1730), was born in London and educated at St. Catharine’s College, Cambridge, where he received his M.D. in 1723. He became a fellow of the College of Physicians in 1725 and was elected a fellow of the Royal Society in 1726. This is his only book, which provides many case histories.

A fine and special copy. With a contemporary inscription on the leaf facing the title “Removed from Marble Hill House.” Later engraved bookplate of M. General Sir Charles Stewart. This copy was sold Sotheby’s, 20 July 1959, part of lot 749.

❧ ODNB for Holland and Howard.

Price: $12,500.00

Item ID: 2954