Sylva, Or A Discourse of Forest-Trees, and the Propagation of Timber in his Majesties Dominions

3 parts in one, FIRST EDITION, initial licence leaf, early ownership signature, title in red and black with engraved arms of the Royal Society, part 3 title also in red and black, with the “Animadversion” and “Sir Paul Neiles second paper” leaves, errata leaf at end, without cancel leaf H1 as usual, occasional light toning, light damp-staining to upper margin, contemporary calf, rebacked with original spine laid on, red morocco label, slim folio, London, printed by Jo. Martyn and Ja. Allestry, Printers to the Royal Society, 1664

One of the first books produced by the Royal Society, it was originally delivered to the Royal Society in 1662 in concern at the deforestation of England.

John Evelyn was one of the founding members of the Royal Society. This work, Sylva, came about as a result of a request to the Royal Society by the Commissioners of the Navy for a report on forestry. Forests were at the time being extensively plundered by the Royal Navy in its demand for more ships, and Evelyn recommended new planting to meet the demand for more wood and provide for the future. One such suggestion by Evelyn was for the nobility to plant grand tree lined avenues of oak trees leading to their country estates. This, he argued, would provide both a useful supply of timber for warships and would optically enhance the view along the primary driveway. Sylva played a major role in promoting afforestation as a solution to the crisis and was Evelyn’s most important work published in his lifetime, his famous diary not appearing until 1818.

Provenance:

James Forstrye

Rev. Edward Hasted

Georgina Best

[ESTC R12326; Henry 132; Hunt 296; Keynes 40; Wing E3516.]