Evelyn Copy - "Sylva, or a discourse of forest trees" & " A Discourse on Cider" - London, 1670 - John Evelyn - Evelyn family copy

"Sylva, or A discourse of forest-trees, and the propagation of timber in His Majesties dominions. As it was deliver'd in the Royal Society the xvth of October, MDCLXII. upon occasion of certain quæries propounded to that illustrious assembly, by the honourable the principal officers, and commissioners of the Navy. To which is annexed Pomona; or, An appendix concerning fruit-trees in relation to cider; the making, and severall wayes of ordering it."

-By John Evelyn

-Small folio

-Complete: [48] 44, 53-172, 171-247 [5] 67 [1] 33 [3]. With 5 engravings in text.

-Published in London in 1670 by Joseph Martyn and James Allestree

-Contemporary calf, rebacked with modern spine

This is one of the most important early treatise on forestry and its importance. With the coming of the Industrial age, Evelyn feared for the loss of forests as they were cut down to be used as fuel. He was an early proponent on sustainability which can be seen as a precursor to modern climate fears.

With harvest season approaching - the book also contains a section on how to make cider and "A Gardener's Almanac" to advise on when to best to plant and care for your garden.

This is an excellent copy in very good condition throughout (only defect is one small wormhole not affecting text in a few early pages). The book has been rebacked to style and retains original boards. Provenance, Ex-Christies from the Evelyn library sale of 1977 (For £75). Victorian book plate of James Robinson Tomlin.

A lovely Association copy of this important work with great relevance to modern discussions of sustainability.

USTC: 3088819