A Select Collection of Modern Poems, Moral and Philosophical.

1759

De Beer Sb 1759 S

Printed for Robert Urie

Here is the bookplate of one ‘John Murray’. The Murray clan in Scotland dates back to the 12th century and in Gaelic Moireabh (which became Murray) means sea-settlement, so it seems fitting a mermaid appears on the Murray badge. The legendary sea creature is portrayed traditionally, as she holds a mirror in her right (dexter) hand and a comb in her left (sinister) hand. The mermaid’s tale rests on a two-toned wreath. The image of the mermaid in Scotland dates back to 400 A.D, and is found on Pictish stone carvings dating from that time. The banner above her head reads ‘Tout prest’ meaning ‘all ready’. So who is the John Murray, that this book belonged to?