Lot 132: ASCHAM, Roger (1515-1568). The Schoolemaster: or, Playne and perfite way of teaching children to understande, write and speake the Latin toong.... London: Abell Jeffes, 1589.

4 o (184 x 132 mm). Black letter. Title within typographical border, typographical head- and tail-pieces, woodcut opening initials, woodcut publisher's device on colophon leaf (McKerrow 253). (C4-D2 slightly wormed at lower margin, C4 also with small repair at lower corner, E4 with lower corner torn away, E1 to end with waterstain at lower corners touching on text.) Late 19th-century brown morocco, tooled in blind, and with gilt arms stamped on covers, edges gilt. Provenance : Frederick Perkins, Chipstead Place, Kent (bookplate and armorial binding) -- G. Walter Steeves (bookplate) -- purchased from Maggs Bros., London, 12 June 1970. Fifth edition. Ascham's career included a period as Latin Secretary to Queen Mary, and two periods as tutor to Princess Elizabeth. His great educational classic was first published posthumously in 1570 and enjoyed immediate popularity. "The plea for gentle coercion, as opposed to flogging, as an educative force had already found support in England. But the expression of this humane spirit, and the spirited defence of the vernacular in it -- and perhaps the touching description of Lady Jane Grey -- made the book famous" (PMM Exhibition Catalogue, 1963, no. 222). John Day had published the previous editions but he yielded his rights to the Stationers' Company for the use of the poor in 1584. Grolier Langland to Wither 7; Pforzheimer 16; STC 836; see PMM 90.