If you are reading this, you likely already know that Vigo was the most widely published and read, and arguably the most important physician of the 16th century, some 40 editions in 6 languages of this textbook being published. The title is "THE whole worke of that famous chirurgion [surgeon] Maister John Vigo : newly corrected by men skillful in that Arte. Whereunto are annexed certain works, comiled and published by Thomas Gale, Maister in Chirurgie." Printed by Thomas East 1586. This is the fourth edition in English, the first having been published in 1543. In spite of this copies in English are uncommon, and I can locate only a 2nd edition for sale on the internet (for $14k). Small quarto, measuring 7" x 5 1/2".

This is a very acceptable working/reading copy, with several faults. The title page is an average facsimile on laid paper. This copy is missing leaf Ciii (page 19) and leaves Iiii-Iiv (pages 67/68 and 69/70); 3 leaves total; otherwise complete (endpapers renewed long ago). The boards are early; i.e. 17th or 18th c., but not original. The book was rebacked sometime later, possibly 18th or 19th c. The boards are slightly warped and stained, but the binding is fully serviceable. There is light browning throughout and an occasional waterstain (see images). The first few pages are tabbed (very old repair) and a bit grubby, but the pages are otherwise strong and sound. The book has been trimmed, with a headlined shaved on page 308/309. There are numerous (original) mispaginations.

This is a very readable copy, and one of the few books I have read more or less cover-to-cover in recent years. It is a fascinating read, with chapters on everything from medicines to poisons to setting broken bones (you did NOT want to break your jaw in the 16th century!) to trepanning (open brain surgery!) to treating diseases. This was the first medical text to extensively deal with syphilis (with mercury for a treatment) and one of the first, if not the first to discuss the treatment of gunshot wounds (which Vigo believed to be poisonous). If you want to gain a little appreciation for modern medicine, reading this book should do it for you! Really a remarkable book to read.

Please email if you have any questions. I have tried very hard to take representative pictures of both the good and the bad, and to describe all faults. Please note I have sold some 100 antiquarian books on eBay and for books my feedback is 100% positive. The succesful bidder to pay $12 insured media rate shipping or $24 priority rate shipping in continental U.S. Other means or locations charged at rate. God bless, and thank you for looking!