Francis Quarles — Divine Fancies, Digested Into Epigrams, Meditations, and Observations

London, T. D. for John Williams, 1675. Leather. A very scarce poetical work by the Royalist Francis Quarles, containing scathing poems that attack the Puritans and Papists. A very scarce work.A poetry collection of epigrams, meditations, and observations.In 'Divine Fancies' Quarles established his viewpoint as an Anglican and royalist, clearly stating but religious and political stances against the puritans and papists, who he vigorously attacks in this work.This work was first published in 1632, written in the budding build up to the English Civil War, with the parliamentarians and Puritans gaining power. This seventh edition was published after the Restoration, when Charles II was on the throne, and after the death of Quarles in 1644. Quarles never lived to see the Restoration.Quarles showcases the growing issues in the country at this time through his verse and observations, providing a fascinating insight into mid-seventeenth century England. Written by Francis Quarles, who is best known for his emblem book, 'Emblems&apos. Two notable descendants of Quarles include the American abolitionists Charles Henry Langston and John Mercer Langston.The seventh edition of this work.Allen Freer bookplate to the front pastedown. Prior owner's ink inscription to the front pastedown and to the recto to the front endpaper. Prior owner's ink inscription to the title page. In a full calf binding. Externally, generally smart, with some rubbing to the boards and spine. Head of the spine is lifting a little. Boards are a little cocked. Minor bumping to the head and tail of the spine and to the extremities. Front hinge is starting but firm. Discolouration and tidemarks to the endpapers. Bookplate to the front pastedown. Prior owner's ink inscription to the front pastedown and to the recto to the front endpaper. Spots to the endpapers. Front endpaper is a little chipped. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are lightly age-toned and generally clean with a few occasional spots. Prior owner's ink inscription to the title page. Light tidemark to gathering E and to a couple of other leaves. Good . Ill.: None. Good .