The Tryal and Sentence of Elizabeth Cellier, for Writing, Printing,...
The "Popish Midwife" On Trial for Libel [Trial]. [Cellier, Elizabeth (fl.1668-1688), Defendant]. The Tryal and Sentence of Elizabeth Cellier, For Writing, Printing, and Publishing, A Scandalous Libel, Called Malice Defeated, &c. At the Sessions in the Old-Bailey, Held Saturday the 11th. and Monday the 13th. Of Sept. 1680. Whereunto is Added Several Depositions, Made Before the Right Honorable, The Lord Mayor. London: Printed for Thomas Collins, 1680. [iv], 9-39, [1] pp. Folio (11" x 7-1/4"). Recent period-style paneled calf by Philip Dusel, edges rouged. Light toning to interior, negligible worming and light dampstaining to margins, light dampspotting to title page and following few leaves. An attractively bound copy. $650. * Only edition. The principal contemporary account of the trial of Elizabeth Cellier for libel. Cellier had previously been acquitted of treason in the fabricated "Meal-Tub Plot." She subsequently published her account of those events, Malice Defeated, which alleged the torture of Catholic prisoners in Newgate. For this claim she was again put on trial, this time for libel, and was convicted, pilloried, fined ?1,000, and had her book burnt. The fine was remitted seven years later, but Cellier was forced to spend the interim in prison. She went on to advocate for the incorporation of a royal college of midwives and foundling hospital, but nothing is known of her after the Glorious Revolution of 1688. English Short-Title Catalogue R24639.
Price: $650.00
Book number 72617