Katherine Philips, 1664

PHILIPS, Katherine (1631-1664). Poems. By the Incomparable, Mrs. K.P. London: J.G. for Rich. Marriott, 1664.

The exceptionally fine and crisp Berland copy of the first edition of the poetry of the English Sappho—an unauthorized publication, with Q7-8 bound at end (after R3) as usual, allowing for the inclusion of the final poem "Upon Mr. Abraham Cowley's Retirement." Katherine Philips, an Anglo-Welsh poet and translator, was the center of a literary coterie of mostly women known as the “The Society of Friendship.” Philips, also known by her Society “pet name” The Matchless Orinda, wrote heady verses about intense female relationships, addressed to her female friends under Classical pseudonyms. In her lifetime, most of her poetry circulated only in manuscript amongst her group of intimates, but this edition by Marriott was published without her approval; on her complaint, he advertised in the Intelligencer that he was undertaking to stop the sale. Shortly after this volume appeared, Philips died at the age of 32 of smallpox. Among her many later admirers were Dryden and Keats. An authorized edition was published by Henry Herringman in 1667. Grolier Wither to Prior 668; Wing P2032.

Octavo (167 x 109mm). With Imprimatur and errata leaves, slip pasted over "Finis" on S6 verso. Small woodcut device of a wreath on title, one woodcut initial (few light stains, small wormhole in upper inner margin on last four leaves). Contemporary English blind-ruled calf (front hinge repaired, small repairs at foot of spine and at corners). Morocco pull-off case by Riviere. Provenance: G.L. (contemporary signature dated 3 March 1665 on front free endpaper) – “Frances Hagley, her book” (18th-century ownership signature on front free endpaper) – Abel Berland (bookplate, acquired 23 September 1968; sold his sale, Christie's New York, 8 October 2001, lot 296).