Restoration binding.- Allestree (Richard) The Gentleman's Calling, additional engraved title, contemporary black morocco by John Harding, border and panel of a double gilt fillet, strawberry and flower corner tool at the inner angles of the panel, same tools arranged to form central lozenge, the whole covered with a design of volutes, tulips, rosettes, acorns, leaves, stars and bunches of grapes, gilt spine in compartments, g.e., preserved in modern half calf over marbled board drop-back box, [Wing A1126], 8vo, by R. Norton, for Robert Pawlet, 1677.

⁂ A superb example of a binding by the London binder John Harding. Born near Chester, Harding was apprenticed to Jeremy Lamas in 1653 and appointed to the Stationers' Company in 1677. Although the box and a note by Dublin bookseller Falkner Greirson attribute the binding to Samuel Mearne, it is so similar in tools and style to one attributed by Maggs to John Harding (Bookbinding in the British Isles, catalogue 1212, item 60), that we are confident in our re-attribution.

Provenance: Shane Leslie (ex-libris to front endpaper and inscription "From the library at Golagh presented to Lady Constance Leslie by Mrs Woodwright.")