The 1st edition; see Praz.

In 3 books, the 1st a general discussion of emblems, the 2nd and 3rd containing 50 emblems each (numbered I-L).

Author's woodcut arms on t.-p., recurring on b8v, n6r, the added t.-p.'s of the 2nd and 3rd books, and recto of last leaf. Each of the 100 emblems begins on the recto of a leaf. The woodcut ill. (often incorporating a motto) is placed within a decorative border that encloses the 8-line verse epigram as well. It is followed by explication in prose beginning on the verso of the leaf. Each page of explication is enclosed in a double line border that contains citations and topic headings in the outer margin.

Errata for 1st book on interpolated leaf following title leaf.

Includes indexes of first lines, Biblical passages cited, and subjects of the emblems.

Praz, M. Emblem-books (2nd. ed.), p. 374

Binding: later sprinkled calf. Boards tooled with gilt fillets along margins. Spine tooled in gilt with author and title on label. Page edges red.

At upper left-hand corner of front pastedown is Theodore Besterman's calligraphic label, signed in the plate by P.S. At lower right-hand corner of front pastedown is label of Williams & Norgate, booksellers, Oxford.