Maison Rustique, Or, The Countrey Farme ... Now newly Reviewed, Corrected and Augmented, with divers large Additions by ESTIENNE, Charles (1504-1564) and Jean LIEBAULT (d. 1595); Gervase MARKHAM (1568-1637), editor - 1616

London: Printed by Adam Islip for John Bull, 1616. Small folio, bound in sixes. (10 5/8 x 6 3/4 inches). Woodcut illustrations in text, ornamental headpieces and woodcut initials. [18], 732, [22] pp. Page 253 misnumbered, as issued. Early marginal annotations throughout. Contemporary calf, covers bordered in blind and with a central gilt device, expertly rebacked, spine with raised bands in six compartments, lettered in the second, the others with a repeat decoration in gilt First edition of Markham's revised English translation of Charles Estienne and Jean Liebault's important late 16th century work on husbandry, gardening and country living. In this work, Markham, the most prolific English writer on agriculture and farming in the first half of the 17th century, adapts an earlier work by Charles Estienne (aka Charles Stevens, in English). "It was first published in Latin as the Praedium Rusticum in 1554. Charles Estienne himself translated it into French and Liebault brought it out shortly after Estienne's death in 1564. Surflet's first English translation appeared in 1600" (Hunt). This first Markham editiion, based on the Surflet translation, is noted for its additions, as well as its rarity. Fussell refers to this adaptation of Estienne's work as among Markham's most important works on general farming. The text on verso of the title, under the caption The Contents, gives an accurate description of the work: "There is contained in this last Edition, whatsoever can be required for the building, or good ordering, of a Husbandrymans House, or Countrey Farme; as namely, to foresee the changes and alterations of Times; to know the motions and powers of the Sunne and Moone, upon the things about which Husbandry is occupied: as to cure the sicke labouring Man; to cure Beasts and flying Fowles of all sorts; to dresse, plant or make Gardens, as well as for the Kitchen, and Physicke use, as also in Quarters..." The description continues touching on a variety of subjects, including the planting and care of trees, the keeping of bees, the making of wine and beer, on distillation, as well as on hunting and hawking. The illustrations include several full-page woodcut plans for knot gardens (pp. 257-275), a garden labyrinth (p. 276), a tobacco plant (p. 217), plus large woodcuts of a cow (p. 99) and horse (p. 138) with references to various ailments, among others. A complete copy of a scarce book, often found defective. McDonald, p. 90; Bitting, pp 146-47; Fussell, p. 28; Goldsmiths 451; Hunt 202; Kress 353; Arents 123; Poynter 31.1; STC 10549; ESTC S121357.