BEAUMONT, John, Sir (1582-1627). Bosworth Field: With a Taste of Variety of Other Poems Left by Sir John Beaumont, Baronet, Deceased. London: Printed by Felix Kyngston for Henry Seile, 1629.
12mo (140 x 89 mm). (Minor soiling to title page with restored tear, scattered inscriptions to reverse front flyleaf, toning.) Later full calf with spine in 6 compartments and 5 raised bands (rubbing to spine and extremities). Provenance: John Newton (1725-1807), Anglican minister and author of "Amazing Grace" (gift inscription); previously sold California Book Auction Galleries, 25 June 1978, lot 143.
ASSOCIATION COPY GIFTED TO "AMAZING GRACE" AUTHOR JOHN NEWTON.
FIRST EDITION, lacking initial blank and cancelled N3 leaf as is common in all known copies. Bosworth Field was first published by Beaumont's son, Sir John Beaumont, 2nd Baronet, two years after his father's death, and describes the death of King Richard III at Bosworth Field on 22 August 1485.
The present copy was previously owned by John Newton, as is indicated by an accompanying gift inscription on the title page which reads, "J. Newton A.M. The gift of J. Smith, Jan.y 16, 1772." After spending many years working as a first mate and later captain aboard numerous slave ships, John Newton experienced a spiritual conversion and became a fierce abolitionist. In 1772, he penned "Amazing Grace," today considered to be the most sung and recorded hymn in the world, in which he expresses regret for his previous life as a slave trader and begs God's forgiveness for his sins. ESTC S101234; Grolier, Wither to Prior 35; Hayward 64; STC 1694.
This lot is located in Chicago.
