RAY, J[OHN].

A collection of English proverbs digested into a convenient method for thespeedy finding any one upon occasion; with short annotations. Whereuntoare added local proverbs with their explications, old proverbial rhythmes,less known ore exotick proverbial sentances, and Scotish proverbs. Thesecond edition, enlarged by the addition of many hundred English, and anappendix of Hebrew proverbs, with annotations and parallels.

      printed by John Hays, printer to the University, for W. Morden Cambridge 1678 12mo, pp. [8], 414 plus leaf of Morden ads; full contemporary calf, red morocco label on gilt-decorated spine; joints slightly rubbed, title-p. thumb-soiled, and a few old pencil and ink annotations on rear endpaper and flyleaf; overall a very good copy. First published in 1670, this book is still regarded as invaluable for the study of dialect and folklore. Ray (1627-1704) primarily known as a botanist and zoologist who was the first to lay down the correct principles of classification in the animal and vegetable kingdoms, attempted a similar application with proverbial literature. Though he never developed an ordered system that could be applied to literary studies, he has preserved nonetheless a unique and entertaining storehouse of lore, literature and wisdom. Wing R-387.