This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/21/2024
[CROMWELL, Oliver (1599-1658), subject]. ALLEN, William (pseudonym of presumed author, TITUS, Colonel Silius (1623-1704)). Killing No Murder, Briefly Discours’d In Three Questions, Fit for Publick View, To Deter and Prevent Tyrants from Usurping Supreme Power. London: Printed, and Sold by the Booksellers of London and Westminster, 1708. 8vo. 28 pp. Approximately 7 ¾ x 5 ½”. Bound into near contemporary half calf over marbled boards, spine lettered in gilt (binding worn, spine with later tape repairs, hinges starting, text toned and soiled, title-page trimmed at bottom (with no apparent loss of text), some occasional chipping, a few tears to text). Good. EARLY EDITION OF THIS INFAMOUS TRACT, ADVOCATING THE ASSASSINATION OF CROMWELL. Originally published anonymously in 1657, in which the author, citing historical writers and philosophical arguments, states that the murder of tyrants is acceptable. Supposedly, after its first publication in 1657, Cromwell was so worried, that he wouldn’t spend more than one night in any location. Authorship, despite the mention of Titus on title-page, has been disputed.