Very rare first edition of one of the earliest printed books on Freemasonry
including an unpublished late 18th-century manuscript Masonic poem in English
[ANDERSON, James].
The constitutions of the Free-Masons. Containing the history, charges, regulations, &c. of that most ancient and right worshipful fraternity. For the use of the lodges.
London, printed by William Hunter for John Senex and John Hooke, 1723 ["In the year of masonry 5723. Anno Domini 1723"]. Large 4to (ca. 23 x 18 cm). With the allegorical engraved frontispiece by John Pine, a woodcut vignette on the title page, the engraved coat of arms of the dedicatee John, 2nd Duke of Montagu, 6 pages with printed musical scores, 1 woodcut tailpiece and 6 historiated woodcut initials. Contemporary dark brown calf, re-backed with a modern ribbed spine with black morocco title label lettered "Constitutions" in gold. [8], [91], [1], [3 with manuscript text], [13 blank] pp. Full description
€ 28,000
London, printed by William Hunter for John Senex and John Hooke, 1723 ["In the year of masonry 5723. Anno Domini 1723"]. Large 4to (ca. 23 x 18 cm). With the allegorical engraved frontispiece by John Pine, a woodcut vignette on the title page, the engraved coat of arms of the dedicatee John, 2nd Duke of Montagu, 6 pages with printed musical scores, 1 woodcut tailpiece and 6 historiated woodcut initials. Contemporary dark brown calf, re-backed with a modern ribbed spine with black morocco title label lettered "Constitutions" in gold. [8], [91], [1], [3 with manuscript text], [13 blank] pp. Full description
