Pater, Erra, THE BOOK OF KNOWLEDGE: TREATING OF THE WISDOM OF THE ANCIENTS, translated by W. Lilly, (Boston: John W. Folsom, 1787), date not stated, 107 pp., octavo (6.25 x 4 in.), paper-wrapped wooden boards with leather spine, woodcuts facing title page and on pages 5, 47. Owner inscribed "Thos Underhill Junr / his book" on front free endpaper. The "translator" and likely real author of this unusual work was the noted English astrologer William Lilly (1602 - 1681). Included is a related 1752 Cecil County, Maryland manuscript court document, one page, octavo, with docketing, naming Thomas Underhill as the plantiff in a lawsuit seeking a debt settlement. Very likely this is the father and namesake of the book's owner.

This extremely rare book is primarily known from institutional copies. It is cited in Shipton & Mooney, 45063 and Evans, Early American Imprints. Series I (1630 - 1800), 45063.

Wear to the cover's outer wraps exposes the underlying board; binding remains tight; internally sound with even age toning; the last page is laid down to the cover, possibly as made. Overall very good condition considering its age.

$400 - 600