{"title":"Philosophy","description":"\u003cp\u003eRare and antiquarian philosophical works spanning ancient, medieval, early modern, and modern thought. Logic, ethics, metaphysics, and political philosophy — from Aristotle to the twentieth century.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-courtiers-manual-oracle-or-the-art-of-prudence-first-english-edition-1685","title":"The Courtiers Manual Oracle, or, The Art of Prudence — First English Edition, 1685","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGRACIÁN Y MORALES, Baltasar.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Courtiers Manual Oracle, or, The Art of Prudence. Written Originally in Spanish, by Baltazar Gracian. And now done into English.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e London: printed by M. Flesher, for Abel Swalle, at the Sign of the Unicorn, at the West-End of St. Paul’s, 1685. 8vo.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFirst English edition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e of Baltasar Gracián’s celebrated \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOráculo manual y arte de prudencia\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (1647), one of the great works of European aphoristic and practical philosophy. Composed as a sequence of 300 maxims on judgement, self-command, reputation, social intelligence and the management of human affairs, the work has enjoyed a remarkably long afterlife. This first English version was translated through Amelot de la Houssaie’s French translation; Gracián’s work was later notably translated into German by Arthur Schopenhauer.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn evocative copy of the first English edition of one of the seventeenth century’s most enduring works of practical philosophy, retaining its contemporary boards and evidence of early ownership.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvenance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn appealing early ownership inscription, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“Theoph: Perebeau”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, appears at the head of the title page, with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“6d”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e in the upper margin. A further early manuscript inscription is visible along the fore-edge. The identity of the former owner remains untraced.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSize\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e18.5 × 12 cm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGood; professionally conserved. Contemporary blind-ruled calf boards retained, heavily rubbed and abraded, with surface losses and wear to corners and edges. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSympathetically rebacked in calf and text block resewed\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, restoring structural stability while retaining the character of the original binding. The spine has been finished unobtrusively to harmonise with the surviving binding.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEarly ownership inscription to title page and manuscript lettering to fore-edge. Some browning, light spotting and handling marks internally; marginal worming affecting approximately one third of the leaves, without material loss to the text. Text complete to p. 272\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBibliographical Note\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFirst English edition. A⁴, \u003cspan class=\"text-token-text-primary cursor-text rounded-sm\"\u003e[a]\u003c\/span\u003e⁸, \u003cspan class=\"text-token-text-primary cursor-text rounded-sm\"\u003e[b]\u003c\/span\u003e², B–S⁸; \u003cspan class=\"text-token-text-primary cursor-text rounded-sm\"\u003e[28]\u003c\/span\u003e, 272 pp. The text of Gracián’s work is complete through p. 272. \u003c\/span\u003eLacking the two terminal advertisement leaves (\u003cspan class=\"text-token-text-primary cursor-text rounded-sm\"\u003e[4]\u003c\/span\u003e pp.)\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReferences\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWing G1468; ESTC R6724; Palau 106941.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Reservoir Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57980077900158,"sku":null,"price":550.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1018\/4464\/8318\/files\/IMG_9809.jpg?v=1788688634"},{"product_id":"pascal-les-provinciales-seventh-edition-elzevier-amsterdam-1669","title":"Pascal — Les Provinciales, Seventh Edition (Elzevier, Amsterdam, 1669)","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePASCAL, Blaise.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLes Provinciales, ou les Lettres écrites par Louis de Montalte à un Provincial de ses amis, et aux RR. PP. Jésuites.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeptième édition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Cologne \u003cspan class=\"text-token-text-primary cursor-text rounded-sm\"\u003e[Amsterdam]\u003c\/span\u003e: Nicolas Schoute \u003cspan class=\"text-token-text-primary cursor-text rounded-sm\"\u003e[Daniel Elzevier]\u003c\/span\u003e, 1669. Small 12mo.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn attractive seventeenth-century Elzevier edition of Pascal’s celebrated \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvinciales\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, published under the fictitious Cologne imprint of Nicolas Schoute but printed by Daniel Elzevier in Amsterdam.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFirst issued individually between 1656 and 1657 under the pseudonym Louis de Montalte, the eighteen \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvincial Letters\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e arose from the controversy surrounding the Jansenist theologian Antoine Arnauld and his opponents among the Jesuits. Pascal transformed what might have remained a specialist theological dispute into one of the great works of French polemical prose, attacking Jesuit casuistry with a combination of irony, precision and wit that secured the work a lasting literary reputation far beyond its original controversy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvinciales\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e were highly contentious from the outset. They were condemned by Pope Alexander VII in 1657 and subsequently subjected to official suppression in France. Their publication history consequently became closely associated with clandestine and pseudonymous printing, particularly in the Netherlands.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDaniel Elzevier issued an Amsterdam edition in 1657 under the fictitious Cologne imprint of Pierre de la Vallée, followed in 1659 by a substantially revised edition carrying the equally fictitious imprint of Nicolas Schoute. The present 1669 edition continues this Elzevier publishing tradition. It is the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eseventh edition stated on the title page and the fourth edition of the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvinciales\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e published by the Amsterdam Elzeviers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, reprinted line for line from the sixth edition of 1666.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis edition also contains the additional nineteenth \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLettre d’un avocat au Parlement à un de ses amis\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, traditionally printed with the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvinciales\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e but attributed not to Pascal himself, rather to the leading Jansenist lawyer and writer \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAntoine Le Maître\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn appealing example of one of the defining works of seventeenth-century French literature, retaining its early calf binding and combining literary, theological and printing-history interest.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSize\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e14 × 8 cm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVery good. Bound in contemporary full calf, apparently unrestored, with five raised bands, gilt decoration to the spine and red morocco lettering-piece. The binding shows the expected rubbing, scuffing and surface wear of a seventeenth-century volume, with wear around the extremities and spine ends, but remains attractive and coherent. The boards remain firmly attached. The early laid-paper endpapers appear integral to the binding.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInternally very well preserved, with generally clean, crisp leaves and only normal age toning and occasional minor marks. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBibliographical Note\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeventh edition, as stated on the title page; the fourth edition of the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvinciales\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e published by the Elzeviers of Amsterdam. Imprint: “A Cologne, Chez Nicolas Schoute, 1669”; a fictitious Cologne imprint, the edition attributed bibliographically to Daniel Elzevier at Amsterdam. Collation: \u003cspan class=\"text-token-text-primary cursor-text rounded-sm\"\u003e[24]\u003c\/span\u003e, 476 pp.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe edition is a line-for-line reprint of the sixth edition of 1666 and includes the additional \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLettre d’un avocat au Parlement à un de ses amis\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, attributed to Antoine Le Maître.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 476-page Elzevier printing is bibliographically distinct from another 1669 edition issued under the same Nicolas Schoute imprint, which extends to approximately 501 pages. The present issue corresponds to USTC 1806093 and STCN 095653074 and is identified in the specialist Elzevier bibliography as Willems 1419.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReferences\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWillems 1419; Maire, II, p. 203; USTC 1806093; STCN 095653074.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Reservoir Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57980508766590,"sku":null,"price":325.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1018\/4464\/8318\/files\/IMG_9834.jpg?v=1788704196"},{"product_id":"francis-bacon-resuscitatio-third-edition-1671-complete-with-both-portraits","title":"Francis Bacon — Resuscitatio, Third Edition, 1671 — Complete with Both Portraits","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBACON, Francis.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eResuscitatio, or Bringing into Publick Light Several Pieces of the Works, Civil, Historical, Philosophical, \u0026amp; Theological… In Two Parts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThird Edition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e London: printed by S. G. and B. G. for William Lee, 1671. Folio.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThird edition of Bacon’s important posthumous collection, edited by his chaplain and literary executor William Rawley, bringing together a wide range of Bacon’s civil, historical, philosophical and theological writings, together with Rawley’s life of Bacon.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis substantially expanded 1671 edition contains both parts of the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eResuscitatio\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, together with a number of separately titled works, including \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA Preparatory to the History Natural \u0026amp; Experimental\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCertain Miscellany Works\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Natural and Experimental History of Winds\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. It concludes with John Selden and William Dugdale’s \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA Brief Discourse touching the Office of Lord Chancellor of England\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (Wing S2420).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eComplete with both engraved portraits of Bacon: the unsigned portrait facing the principal title page and the portrait by \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWenceslaus Hollar, dated 1670\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, depicting Bacon’s monument at St Albans.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn unusually forthright early reader’s annotation, written inverted on the rear flyleaf and double-underlined, reads \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“Slavering drivel”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. A further early scholarly note on the front flyleaf refers to text on p. 97, while an early hand has supplied \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“Sr Francis Bacon Knt”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e at the head of the dedication leaf.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA substantial seventeenth-century Bacon, retaining a heavily worn but characterful early calf binding and both engraved portraits.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvenance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEngraved armorial bookplate of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJohn Gordon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with the Gordon motto \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“Dread God”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and a demi-savage crest, wreathed and holding a club; signed \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“Deeble sculpt.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e in the plate. The same John Gordon bookplate is recorded in institutional bookplate collections. The precise identity of the owner has not been established.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e29.5 x 20cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGood overall, with substantial wear to the binding but internally considerably better preserved. Bound in contemporary or near-contemporary full calf, the spine with five raised bands, gilt-decorated compartments and red morocco lettering-piece. Binding heavily rubbed and abraded throughout, with extensive surface wear and loss to the calf. Corners and board edges worn. Spine rubbed, with loss of gilt and leather, particularly at the head and tail. Lower endband exposed and partly detached, with loss of leather around the tail. Boards nevertheless remain attached.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInternally generally clean and crisp for the period, with occasional light spotting, toning, staining and handling wear, particularly to the early leaves. Both engraved portraits present. Early ownership inscriptions to the preliminary leaves. The binding has been left unrestored and retains considerable period character.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBibliographical Note\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003ccode dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"text-token-text-primary cursor-text rounded-sm\"\u003e[unsigned]\u003c\/span\u003e² B² \u003cspan class=\"text-token-text-primary cursor-text rounded-sm\"\u003e[unsigned]\u003c\/span\u003e¹ A² \u003cspan class=\"text-token-text-primary cursor-text rounded-sm\"\u003e[unsigned]\u003c\/span\u003e¹, A–B⁴ C²; ²B–2K⁴ 2L⁴(-2L4); ³A–N⁴; χA⁴ \u003cspan class=\"text-token-text-primary cursor-text rounded-sm\"\u003e[B]\u003c\/span\u003e¹, ⁴A–D⁴; ⁵A–B⁴ C⁴(-C3,4) D–H² I¹ K–M⁴ N¹; ⁶A–C⁴ D² F–N² O¹; ⁷a⁴ A–L⁴ M² N⁴ b¹; ⁸A–G² H¹.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/code\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eComplete. In \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Natural and Experimental History of Winds\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, the singleton \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eb1\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is bound after N4 rather than in its bibliographically prescribed position between a4 and A1. The same arrangement has been observed in another copy of the 1671 third edition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReferences\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eESTC R37049; Wing B321; Gibson 229.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Reservoir Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57994635280766,"sku":null,"price":350.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1018\/4464\/8318\/files\/IMG_0132.jpg?v=1789026276"},{"product_id":"macrobius-opera-first-edition-printed-in-england-1694-macrobian-world-map","title":"Macrobius — Opera — First Edition Printed in England, 1694 — Macrobian World Map","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMACROBIUS, Ambrosius Aurelius Theodosius.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eAur. Theodosii Macrobii V. Cl. \u0026amp; Inlustris Opera. Accedunt integrae Isacii Pontani, Joh. Meursii, Jacobi Gronovii Notae \u0026amp; Animadversiones. Editio novissima, cum Indice Rerum \u0026amp; Vocum locupletissimo.\u003c\/em\u003e Londini [London]: Typis M. C. \u0026amp; B. M., impensis T. Dring \u0026amp; C. Harper, in vico Fleetstreet dicto, 1694. 8vo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe first edition of Macrobius printed in England\u003c\/strong\u003e, preserving one of the most influential cosmographical traditions to descend from late antiquity. This London edition reproduces the Leiden variorum edition of 1670, incorporating the notes and observations of Johannes Isacius Pontanus, Johannes van Meurs and Jacobus Gronovius. The edition is entirely in Latin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf particular interest is the woodcut \u003cstrong\u003eMacrobian world map on p.106\u003c\/strong\u003e, showing the spherical earth divided into climatic zones, with a torrid equatorial region and temperate inhabited or potentially inhabited zones to north and south. The Macrobian zonal map became one of the principal forms through which classical cosmography was transmitted throughout the Middle Ages: surviving manuscript examples demonstrate its use in explaining the oceans, climatic zones and the relationship between the known northern world and hypothesised southern regions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso present at p.74 is the striking cosmological diagram showing the earth surrounded by the planetary spheres and zodiac. Together these images make Macrobius a tangible example of the transmission of ancient astronomical and geographical thought into early modern print.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe copy retains the \u003cstrong\u003eimprimatur leaf dated 25 February 1691\/2 and signed in print by Robert Midgley\u003c\/strong\u003e, followed by the engraved allegorical title and the red-and-black letterpress title. The imprimatur leaf is specifically noted in bibliographical descriptions and is absent from some surviving copies. At the end is the complete index, concluding with \u003cem\u003eFinis\u003c\/em\u003e and the small advertisement for Littleton's Dictionary on the terminal verso.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the library of \u003cstrong\u003eFerguson of Raith\u003c\/strong\u003e, with the engraved pictorial bookplate to the front pastedown, depicting the Ferguson crest of a demi-lion holding a buckle, and manuscript shelfmark \u003cstrong\u003e\"3 G 3\"\u003c\/strong\u003e above. A further early library number, \u003cstrong\u003e\"No. 24,\"\u003c\/strong\u003e appears at the front.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e20 x 13,.5cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComplete\u003cstrong\u003e.\u003c\/strong\u003e Collation agrees with the recorded edition: πA⁸ a⁸ B–2F⁸ 3A–3E⁸ 3F⁴ 3G². The apparently anomalous terminal pagination, ending at p.491 although representing 483 actual numbered pages, is an error of pagination in the edition and is present as issued.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditional engraved allegorical title\/frontispiece; letterpress title printed in red and black; woodcut cosmological diagrams within the text, including the celebrated Macrobian zonal world map at p.106. Contemporary or near-contemporary calf, spine richly gilt in compartments between raised bands, red morocco lettering-piece, gilt board edges, sprinkled edges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBinding rubbed and marked with age, with wear and some loss at the head of the spine, rubbing to the raised bands, joints and extremities, and bumped corners; nevertheless an attractive unrestored early binding with both boards attached. Gilt decoration remains strong and the original red morocco lettering-piece survives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInternally very good.  Light toning and occasional minor spotting or marks. A small handful of leaves have locally irregular or rough fore-edges, apparently arising from the original trimming process; these are entirely marginal and there is no loss of text. The text block remains generally crisp and clean.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReferences\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eESTC R36883; Wing M229; Lowndes III, 1447; Graesse IV, 330.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Reservoir Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58071365648766,"sku":null,"price":450.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1018\/4464\/8318\/files\/IMG_0671_ebdaa6e3-a57b-4e7d-808a-04d4205233e5.jpg?v=1790016927"},{"product_id":"sinistrari-de-la-demonialite-1875-first-edition-no-144-598-alfred-clericeau-copy-in-japoniste-binding","title":"Sinistrari — De la Démonialité — 1875 First Edition, No. 144\/598 — Alfred Clériceau Copy in Japoniste Binding","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSINISTRARI D’AMENO, Louis-Marie [Lodovico Maria].\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eDe la Démonialité et des Animaux Incubes et Succubes, où l’on prouve qu’il existe sur terre des créatures raisonnables autres que l’homme, ayant comme lui un corps et une âme, naissant et mourant comme lui, rachetées par N.-S. Jésus-Christ et capables de salut ou de damnation. Published from the original Latin manuscript, with French translation by Isidore Liseux.\u003c\/em\u003e Paris: Isidore Liseux, 1875.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst edition. One of only 598 numbered copies, this being \u003cstrong\u003eNo. 144\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e8vo. xvi, 224 pp. Latin text and French translation printed on facing pages. Original parchment-paper wrappers preserved within a striking later nineteenth-century decorative binding: black and gold patterned boards, black leather spine label lettered in gilt, and remarkable Japanese pictorial endpapers incorporating hand-coloured figures and birds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith the large pictorial \u003cstrong\u003e“Ex Amicis A. Clericeau” bookplate engraved by Stern, Paris\u003c\/strong\u003e, establishing provenance from the library of the French bibliophile Alfred Clériceau.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSinistrari’s \u003cem\u003eDe la Démonialité\u003c\/em\u003e is one of the strangest productions of seventeenth-century Catholic demonological literature. Written by the Franciscan theologian and canonist Ludovico Maria Sinistrari d’Ameno (1622–1701), the treatise attempts to address, within the formal structures of theology and canon law, the supposed existence and nature of incubi and succubi.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts argument is considerably more unusual than a conventional discussion of demons. Sinistrari considers whether some beings traditionally identified as incubi and succubi might not be demons at all, but rather a distinct order of rational, corporeal creatures: beings possessing bodies and souls, capable of birth and death and, within his theological scheme, potentially of salvation or damnation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom this premise he develops an extraordinary combination of scholastic theology, sexual casuistry, demonology, Classical mythology and supernatural folklore. The work discusses the physical nature of incubi and succubi, relations between humans and supernatural beings, supposed extraordinary births, fauns and sylvans, and the juridical distinction between “demoniality” and other sexual offences.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cool, analytical manner in which Sinistrari approaches these subjects is precisely what gives the book its peculiar fascination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Liseux Edition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe work remained unpublished as a separate text until the nineteenth century, when Parisian publisher and bibliophile Isidore Liseux obtained a manuscript attributed to Sinistrari and issued the present edition in 1875. Liseux printed the Latin text together with his French translation on facing pages and limited the edition to 598 numbered copies. The edition rapidly became sought after among collectors of demonology, occult literature and bibliographical curiosities, and Liseux issued a second edition the following year. This copy is a \u003cstrong\u003e1st Edition,\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eNo. 144\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlfred Clériceau Provenance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe front of the volume bears the elaborate pictorial bookplate \u003cstrong\u003eEX AMICIS \/ A. CLERICEAU\u003c\/strong\u003e, signed in the plate \u003cem\u003eStern, Paris\u003c\/em\u003e. Alfred Clériceau was a French bibliophile whose books are encountered in finely bound and carefully selected collections. The unusually large and theatrical \u003cem\u003eEx Amicis\u003c\/em\u003e plate is entirely in keeping with the character of the present volume. The Clériceau provenance is particularly attractive here because this is far from an ordinary rebound copy: the choice of binding and endpapers suggests a collector treating the volume as an object in its own right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Japoniste Binding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe most immediately striking feature of this copy is its elaborate black-and-gold Japoniste binding. The original parchment-paper wrappers have been retained and bound into the volume, but the book was subsequently given decorative boards with elaborate gilt ornament and exceptionally unusual Japanese pictorial endpapers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe endpapers depict Japanese figures in a domestic setting surrounded by a dramatic flight of birds released from a cage. Their almost supernatural imagery is particularly apt in a book concerned with incubi, succubi and strange corporeal beings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe binding is unsigned, and no attribution to a particular binder or workshop is presently made. It appears to be a late nineteenth-century French decorative binding produced in the period when Japonisme exercised a powerful influence over Parisian decorative arts and book design. The preservation of the original wrappers is important: the elaborate later presentation has not required the sacrifice of the book’s original covering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA very good and highly individual copy. The decorative binding remains handsome and structurally sound, with rubbing and wear to the extremities and some surface wear consistent with age. The black leather spine label remains present and gilt-lettered. The remarkable Japanese pictorial endpapers are well preserved, with expected minor handling and age wear. Original parchment-paper wrappers bound in. Internally generally well preserved, with expected light age-toning and occasional minor spotting. Red-and-black title page and numbered limitation leaf present. \u003cstrong\u003eNo. 144 of 598 copies.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReferences\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWorldCat \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e6624999\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Reservoir Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58081621410174,"sku":null,"price":650.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1018\/4464\/8318\/files\/IMG_0783.jpg?v=1790155467"}],"url":"https:\/\/reservoirbooks.store\/collections\/philosophy.oembed","provider":"Reservoir Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}