Religio Medici and Other Essays

London: Chapman & Hall, 1911. Leather. Near Fine. 7.5" by 5.5". Not Stated. A lovely Bumpus bound edition of the religious and spiritual essays of Sir Thomas Browne, an important Christian work, from the library of Audrey Pleydell-Bouverie. Bound by Bumpus.'Religio Medici' is a collection of spiritual and religious essays, an early psychological self-portrait. This was a European best-seller when first published.Illustrated with a frontispiece.Written by Sir Thomas Browne, an English polymath who was influenced by Francis Bacon.From the library of Audrey Pleydell-Bouverie, from her library at Julians Park, Hertfordshire. After being widowed at 25, Audrey married the fabulously wealthy American department store heir, Marshall Field III, later divorcing him and marrying the Honorable Peter Pleydell-Bouverie. In 1940 she bought Julians Park and redesigned the interior. Her library was impressive, with many examples of her own bookbinding.Audrey was an extravagant socialite and renowned beauty, the illegitimate granddaughter of King Edward VII (though she was also rumoured to be his daughter, or the lover of King Edward VIII), featured in the 'Book of Beauty' by Cecil Beaton. She had many high profile friends, such as Winston Churchill, Coco Chanel, Fred Astaire, and Nancy Mitford, a sparkling hostess of the Edwardian period, her hedonistic antics bringing her into the Bright Young Things.Gifted to Audrey, with a pencil inscription to the recto to the front endpaper, 'Dear Mrs Coats, The author of this book is a very good + valued friend of mine I want very much to introduce you to him, if you have not already met. ... + wishes for xmas, Yours Sincerley ..., Xmas 1924'. In a full crushed morocco Bumpus binding. Externally, with a touch of fading to the spine and boards. Light rubbing to the raised bands. A few very light marks to the boards. Prior owner's pencil inscription to the recto to the front endpaper. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and clean. Near Fine