Beschreibung:

ELIZABETHAN] KELLWAYE, SIMON. A defensatiue against the plague: . London: Printed by Iohn Windet, dwelling neere Powles Wharfe at the signe of the Crossekeyes, 1593. First edition. Full modern tree calf by Sangorski and Sutcliffe. 7 1/8 x 5 inches (18 x 13 cm); 6], 48, [2] ff; correctly A^(4) [par.]^2 B-N^(4) O^(2), here the table on the final two leaves reversed and misbound between [par.] 1 and 2, but the work collates complete. The binding in fine condition, some minor browning and pale stains affecting a few leaves (mostly in the upper margin), but overall this is a fresh, unwashed copy internally. An exceedingly rare work, remarkable on a number of fronts. It is likely the first printed systematic account in English on smallpox, and it also seems probable that the Defensative is the first account in English of the plague to consider the disease epdemiologically. It discusses physical causes, not merely ascribing the disease to a wrathful deity, and mentions (p. 1) likely causative agencies, including animal dispersal of the disease. Pigs (which did indeed harbor the disease), dogs, cats and weasels are suggested as probable vectors. In addition, the impact of overcrowding, burial yards and similar environmental conditions are taken into account. Finally, it is worthy of note that the plague of 1592 closed London theatres. In consequence, Shakespeare, absent an audience, wrote Venus and Adonis and The Rape of Lucrece, which bought him recognition and rank among his greatest literary achievements. We are aware of five copies in US institutions, but we know of no copies at auction since 1981. Durling 2655; STC (2nd ed.), 14917; ESTC S109245. C