The Life of John Locke

1829

de Beer Ec 1829 K

London: H. Colburn

One edition in Esmond de Beer’s gift to the library of books by and about John Locke, the English philosopher, was this copy of Lord King’s Life of John Locke (1829). It once belonged to William Hugh Elliot, 3rd Earl of Minto (1814-1891), who had his binder stamp the Minto coat of arms on this very plain calf binding; the motto translated is: ‘He does not need a bow’. In the 19th century, with many more book collectors forming collections, the use of armorial stamps was quite common. They were often placed in the middle of the cover, substituting the centre decoration. Three thin tooled lines have been applied to the edges, connected by a small wheel ornament in each corner. The spine compartments carry a little more decoration, and the top, tail and fore-edge have been marbled.