Facetiae. Musarum Deliciae: or, The Muses Recreation. Conteining Severall Pieces of Poetique Wit. By Sr.J.M.and Ja:S. 1656. and Wit Restor'd, in Several Select Poems, not Formerly Publish't. 1658 etc etc.
London: Longman et al., 1817. 2 volume set, 7 3/4 inches tall. A superb full crushed morocco by J. Wright, one of the greatest binders of the period. With gilt raised bands, smart labels and extra gilt panels. Gilt dentelles and all edges. From the Library of the Late Christopher Foyle of Beeleigh Abbey. Vice Admiral Sir John Mennis (or Mennes), was an English naval officer, who went on to be Comptroller of the Navy. He was also considered a wit. His comic and satirical verses, written in correspondence with James Smith, were published in 1656. He figures prominently in the Diary of Samuel Pepys, who reported directly to Mennes at the Navy Office and thought him an incompetent civil servant, but a delightful social companion. Pepys stated that Mennes's skills as a poet and mimic made him the best of company. He describes a memorable evening when Mennes and John Evelyn engaged in a mimicry contest. Mennes's highly entertaining verses first appeared in 1656 as Musarum Deliciæ or the Muses's Recreation. They appear here in a scarce Regency edition.