This edition's provenance mystery features Thomas Bedell's A lively antithesis, or opposition, betweene the Church of Rome and the true church of God, printed in London by R. B[lower] for Roger Jackson in 1604. The author may be the Thomas Bedell who, according to the History of Parliament website, got into an argument with John Brudenell regarding the loyalty of Catholics, in relation to James VI and I's Oath of Allegiance. The 1606 Oath of Allegiance was a response to the Gunpowder Plot, and required Catholics to swear allegiance to the King, not the Pope. The Bedell/Brudenell argument led to a Star Chamber case (National Archives, STAC 8/11/23). This is a very rare book, with only two copies recorded in ESTC and USTC.
1. Bedell
As can be seen on the title page, the book has been signed. Unfortunately, bookworm damage has obscured what is presumably the first name of the inscription completely. The surname of 'Lugger' is visible, however. Given the date of publication, the full name could be that of William Lugger/Luggar/d. William was a bookseller and publisher, who was active between 1597 and 1658 (the year of his death). He moved shop throughout his career, and was variously based at Holborn, Ludgate, and near the Tower of London.
2. Bedell 2
The link to Lugger is potentially made more credible when examining the second photo, herein, which depicts the inside front binding of Daniel Mögling's De chymiatria theses practica, 1595. The inscription reads 'of Mr Lugger 1619 Aug 28,' and is in Robert Ashley's hand. This note suggests that Ashley purchased the book from Lugger who, in 1619, would have been based near Middle Temple, in Holborn. Ashley of course was the founder of Middle Temple Library.
As ever, if you recognise this hand or have further comments please get in touch: library@middletemple.org.uk.
Renae Satterley
Librarian
March 2024
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