Ireland.- Wharton (George) Bellum Hybernicale: or, Ireland's Warre Astrologically demonstrated...The Author further vindicated, from his, and Master Lilly's former frivolous, false, and malicious Aspersions, throughout the whole Discourse, first edition, woodcut headpieces and initial, astrological diagrams, B2 trimmed at foot with slight loss to signature and catchword, later calf, gilt, by Ramage, g.e., [Wing W1543], 4to, 1647 [i.e. 1646].

⁂ Very rare at auction. Wharton (1617-81) was an astrologer and mathematician who studied at Oxford, published annual almanacs, and instructed Elias Ashmole in alchemy and astrology. A royalist, he was saved from hanging by the Parliamentarians by Ashmole's intervention, and after the Restoration he was appointed royal treasurer and paymaster and created a baronet. His works include essays on astrology and chronology, astrological explanations of political events, and a translation of Rothman's chiromancy. He got himself embroiled in political and professional controversies with Lilly and Booker by invariably predicting victory for the monarchists and admonishing the rebels to submit. This work was written during a visit to Yorkshire in September 1646.

Provenance: Baron Barrymore (bookplate).