A Defensative Against the Poyson of Supposed Prophecies

Second edition, [8], 149 [i.e.151], [1], title within woodcut interlaced strapwork border, printers device, title trimmed along outer margin, reinforced, decorative headpieces, woodcut floriated and historiated initials throughout, occasional light spotting and staining, modern calf, boards ruled in gilt, new endpapers, 4to, [London], John Charlewood and W. Jaggard, 1620

Second edition of Howard’s book against prophecy and attack on judicial astrology.

Northampton went through periods of disfavour in the court of Elizabeth I due to his links with Catholics. He was imprisoned five times, including for the publication of this work.

In 1571 Northampton was arrested due to his brother, Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk’s involvement in the Ridolfi plot – the plot to put Mary, Queen of Scots on the throne. Norfolk was executed the following year, and it has been suggested that this is part of the reason for Northampton’s book. Evidence was given that the Duke of Norfolk had been misled by a prophecy about a lion (Norfolk) and a lioness (Mary, Queen of Scots), who would overthrow a lion (Elizabeth I).

Northampton attacks prophecy and criticises the authority of “old painted bookes, expositions of dreames, oracles, revelations, invocations of damned spirits, judicials of astrologie, or any other kinde of pretended knowledge whatsoever.” He was also prompted by the fantastic prognostications of Richard Harvey from the preceding April.

Despite being dedicated to Sir Francis Walsingham, ‘Spymaster’ for Elizabeth I, on publication the book was regarded as heretical and treasonable and Northampton was sent to the Fleet Prison for about a year.

Though Lord Henry Howard seems to have been in political difficulties during the latter part of Elizabeth’s reign, under James I he became a member of council and Earle of Northampton.

Provenance:

From Dr. Michael Stone’s Psychiatry Collection.

(STC 13859; ESTC S104250; Lowndes IV 1703; Not in Pforzheimer)