NOSTRADAMUS, Michael (1503-1566). The True Prophecies or Prognostications of Michael Nostradamus, Physician to Henry II. Francis II. Charles IX. Kings of France, and one of the best Astronomers that ever were. A work full of curiosity and learning. Translated by Theophilus de Garencières (1610-1680). London: Thomas Ratcliffe Nathaniel Thompson, 1672.

Attractive first edition in English, a bilingual translation in a contemporary binding. Theophilus de Garencières, a French apothecary and occultist living in England, provided the first English translation of the famous prophecies of Nostradamus, along with explanations for each (with a few exceptions for those entries either too obvious to require it or too obscure to interpret). Theophilus had been based at Oxford during the English Civil War, and his interpretations leave no doubt that he was not fond of Cromwell. A reader, perhaps the B. Talbot inscribed on the flyleaf, has marked out some prophecies as being of special interest, including many related to the war. Wing N-1399.

Folio (295 x 191mm). Title printed in red and black; one leaf from the first gathering erroneously bound in b. Engraved frontispiece (some toning and minor dustsoiling, a few small water stains just at top edge). Contemporary calf, spine gilt in compartments, edges sprinkled red (skillfully rebacked). Provenance: "B. Talbot, 1690" (inscription on flyleaf).