Essays on Physiognomy, Designed to Promote the Knowledge and the Love

LAVATER (John Caspar).

Essays on Physiognomy, Designed to Promote the Knowledge and the Love of Mankind.

By John Caspar Lavater, Citizen of Zurich, and Minister of the Gospel. Illustrated by engravings, accurately copied; and some duplicates added from originals. Executed by, or under the inspection of, Thomas Holloway. Translated from the French by Henry Hunter, D.D. Minister of the Scots Church, London-Wall.

Third edition. One hundred and three copper engraved plates, and in total over five hundred engravings. Three volumes bound in Five, volumes II & III in two parts. Folio. With the half titles to each volume. Contemporary black straight-grain morocco, covers ornamented in blind, surrounded by elaborate gilt foliate borders, four raised spine panels with similar gilt patterning, other panels with gilt text, blue endpapers, gilt dentelles, edges in gilt. London, T. Bensley, 1810.

£1,800.00

Pseudo-scientific work that established the reputation of John Caspar Lavater. It details his beliefs that one can read someone’s character through their physiognomy. This book was popular across Europe not only due to the interest in the text but also due to the elegance of the engravings and publication style.

All four William Blake engravings complete with signatures, good condition, all in Vol I. Very minor faint offsetting from the various plates, slight wear to joints and corners, a few heavier scuffs to front joints of Vol. 2 part 1, and Vol. 3 part 1, overall, a very nice, near fine set.

G.E. Bentley, Blake’s Books, 481, C.

Stock No.

244216

Enquire

Essays on Physiognomy, Designed to Promote the Knowledge and the Love of Mankind.

Mailing List