Next week our latest Catalogue Devotion, is published, keep a look out for it. One of the star attractions is a completely original 1577 Geneva Bible with a fully blind-stamped Elizabethan binding including all of the metal furniture. There are many pages of contemporary marginal annotations as well as 2 full page fold-outs, one of […]
Download our latest Catalogue of recent acquisitions, now available on our website. Featuring: A selection of Oxythynchus fragments from c.250AD with excellent Provenance ‘Die Cronica’ – a chronicle of Cologne published in 1499 and with some of the earliest accounts of Guntenberg and early printing. An Aldine owned by Tsar Nicholas II and with an […]
A sumptuous copy of Aldus’ 1515 edition of Lucretius bound by Courteval and once in the Library of Tsar Nicholas II with his bookplate. Appearing in our forthcoming catalogue, keep a look out for this beautiful volume that was probably also owned by bibliophile Auguste Renouard. For other fine items upcoming in future listings, please […]
We were privileged to attend the London Book Fair in May, 2023 at the Saatchi Gallery alongside many other dealers from the UK and around the world. On display were a selection of illuminated manuscripts, books, fine bindings, and text manuscripts. For the catalogues of the stock represented at the Fair you can find the […]
“The Famous History of Fryer Bacon” is not about Roger Bacon, the historical figure I mentioned earlier, but rather it is a play written by the English playwright Robert Greene.
“The Famous History of Fryer Bacon and Fryer Bongay” is a comedic play believed to have been written in the late 16th century, possibly around 1590. Robert Greene was a well-known playwright and pamphleteer during the Elizabethan era.
The play revolves around two English friars, Fryer Bacon and Fryer Bongay, who are skilled in the art of magic and necromancy. They compete with each other to show off their magical powers. Fryer Bacon is particularly famous for his attempt to create a magical brazen head, which he believes will be able to predict the future. However, his focus on this endeavor causes him to neglect his country’s defense against foreign invaders.
The play combines elements of comedy, magic, and romance. It’s known for its humorous scenes and the interactions between the characters, making it a popular entertainment choice during its time.
While the play shares the name “Fryer Bacon,” it is important to distinguish it from the historical figure Roger Bacon, who lived several centuries earlier and was a renowned philosopher and scientist. The play is a work of fiction and should not be confused with the actual historical contributions of Roger Bacon.