Poems on Affairs of State by Andrew Marvell, et al. (Extremely Rare First Edition), 1697 📜🇬🇧👑

1. Introduction 📜🔍🧐

This volume is an extremely rare and culturally important first edition of "Poems on Affairs of State," a collection of satirical verse published in 1697.

The book offers a definitive historical record, capturing the political and social ferment of late 17th-century England through the biting wit of its most prominent poets.

Its survival as a well-preserved first edition, coupled with its unique chain of ownership, makes it a premier acquisition for any serious collector of classic English literature, political history, or fine antiquarian books.

2. About the Book 📖✍️✨

This volume is a collection of satirical poems that were written in response to the political and social events of the late 17th century. The poems, many of which were circulated anonymously as manuscripts, provide a candid view into the deep conflicts of the Restoration era.

The content covers a wide range of topics, from the policies and morals of Charles II to the political maneuvers of his court. As a first edition published in 1697, the book itself is a beautiful example of early modern publishing.

3. About the Author ✍️🏛️

Andrew Marvell (1621-1678) was an English poet, satirist, and politician. He was a close friend and colleague of the poet John Milton and served as a Member of Parliament for Kingston upon Hull. The collection also includes works by John Wilmot, the 2nd Earl of Rochester (1647-1680), a prominent poet and courtier during the Restoration.

The collaboration between these writers highlights the fluid and interconnected nature of English literary and political circles.

4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜

Published in 1697, this book is a direct product of the Restoration era, a period defined by intense political and religious conflict.

The book's content reflects the deep divisions between the Royalists and Parliamentarians and was published nearly a decade after the Glorious Revolution of 1688, which saw the Catholic King James II overthrown and replaced by the Protestant co-monarchs, William and Mary.

The late 17th century was a golden age for political satire in England.

5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️

This book is for a curator of classic English literature, a scholar of Restoration politics, or a private collector of fine antiquarian books. It is an ideal acquisition for an individual who values a book's cultural importance and its status as a document of a specific historical moment.

The book's unique provenance makes it a perfect fit for a collection that cherishes the intellectual story behind an artifact.

6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️

As an extremely rare first edition from 1697, this book is a valuable asset. The scarcity of a well-preserved copy from this period is a key factor in its value, as many copies have been lost or destroyed over the centuries due to the controversial nature of the content. A complete first edition is a collector's dream, and its unique chain of ownership adds a layer of cultural importance.

The book is approximately 328 years old.

7. Condition 🔎📚✨

This book is a genuine and handsome survivor, showing the authentic wear of a cherished volume from the 17th century. The full leather binding is in a solid state, with a tight and sound binding. The covers show some rubbing and scuffing, which is expected for a book of this age. The pages have some expected toning and foxing, a natural process for paper from this period. 

The book contains a unique inscription and a decorative ex libris bookplate.

8. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩

The poems in this volume, including those by Marvell and Rochester, were often circulated as anonymous manuscripts. The ex libris bookplate indicates the book was formerly part of the collections of two significant French figures: Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet and Jean-Baptiste-Louis-Élisabeth-Marie-Augustin.

The inscription reads: "J.B.L.E.M.A.C. Ex Libris Johannis Baptistae Ludovici Episcopi Metensis Ex libris Jacobi-Benigni Bossuet" The act of publishing these poems in a single volume in 1697 was a bold and controversial move by the publisher.

9. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰

Title: Poems on Affairs of State

Author/Maker: Andrew Marvell, et al.

Year:1697

Publisher/Foundry: s.n.

Place of Origin: London, UK

Format/Binding: Hardcover, Full Leather

Edition: First Edition

Rarity: Extremely Rare