BLADES, William (editor).:

The Gouernayle of Helthe: with the Medecyne of Ye Stomacke. With Introductory Remarks and Notes by William Blades.

      London, Blades, East & Blades, 1858. Reprinted from William Caxton's edition of 1490, and LIMITED TO 55 COPIES ONLY.8vo, 200 x 135 mm, 8 x 5¼ inches, frontispiece with tissue guard is a printed facsimile of the first page of Caxton's book, repeated within, the text consists of a complete reproduction of Caxton's print in gothic type and "an annotated reprint" in roman type, pages viii, 110 including Glossary, + 2 leaves of publisher's adverts, bound in full 19th century morocco, gilt border to covers, rebacked to match, no lettering or label, all edges red. Small neat repair to fore-edge of upper cover, edges of covers just slightly rubbed, tissue guard browned and with a small chip at fore-edge, contents clean and bright, binding tight and firm. A very good copy of a scarce book. Fifteenth century books on health are very rare. This is a health maintenance manual focusing on how to keep men (not women) healthy, with occasional notes on ill-health. Both parts were published anonymously and The Gouernayle of Helthe has been variously attributed to John de Bordeaux and also to Bartholomaeus Montagnana, the younger, the Medecyne of Ye Stomacke has been attributed to John Lydgate.Caxton's edition was not reprinted until our edition of 1858 which is beautifully printed and not to be confused with the recent American paperback issue.William Blades the editor and publisher of our edition was deeply interested in Caxton and wrote the Life and Typography of William Caxton, England's First Printer, which was published in 1861-1863. Images sent on request.