Topsell, pub. 1658 - Sevenheaded Hydra

Topsell, pub. 1658 - Sevenheaded Hydra
This early engraving is from Edward Topsell's The History of Serpents or The Theater of Insects: or, Lesser living Creatures. As Bees, Flies, Caterpillars, Spidrs, Worms, &c. a most Elaborate Work. This is from the second edition of the work and was published in London in 1658 by E. Cotes and G. Sawbridge. The works are considered part of the larger work entitled The History of Four-footed Beasts and Serpents.

Edward Topsell (1572-1625) was an English author and clergyman. He wasn't a naturalist, and relied on other authorities including Konrad Gesner and Thomas Moffett to create his works. He wrote the epic treatise on zoology entitled The History of Four-footed Beasts and Serpents which explored real and fantastical animals. While mythical creatures and notions are part of Topsell's work, John Lienhard still describes it as "an early glimmer of modern science. For all its imperfection, it represents a vast collection of would-be observational data, and it even includes a rudimentary rule for sifting truth from supposition."


Paper Size: ~ 7 1/2" by 12"

The work is in good to very good condition overall. The far left of the image is cropped slightly due to how the plate was printed and bound. There is some paper repair at the upper left corner. The paper exhibits some discoloration and handling. There may be some light toning and text bleed through. There may be a few minor imperfections or faint fox marks to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.