Geheime Briefe an die gesunde Vernunft. Etwas für lüsterne Leser (Secret Letters to Sanity. Something for the Sensual Reader)
Constantinopel [i.e. Rostock]: [Stiller], 1794. First edition. Hardcover. Duodecimo. xxii, 290. Original gray paper boards. With a preface by the editor praising the advantages of the highly improved postal service of the time, transporting mail and passengers. Highly entertaining collection of ten mostly anonymous letters contemplating and expressing thoughts, including poetry, on the new age of enlightenment. The second letter's subtitle reads: "A poet is consumed by poetic fire and offers all kinds of news to reason." The fifths letter is signed Hans von Stiefelholz and addresses "Madame Reason." The seventh letter by Moses Mendelssohn is said to be a message by him from a convention of weak and strong minds and includes a conversation between Martin Luther and Pope Sixtus V. The volume closes with a contribution entitled "The High Nobility Register of the Family of the Sirs of Blaustrumpf," signed Johann Daniel Sammthut. Text in German, Gothic script. Binding heavily scuffed, particularly the spine, with wear along edges. Front free endpaper with inked calligraphy: "Magnificent gift." Top half of back endpaper torn off. Some foxing and age-toning of block. Binding in overall fair, interior in good condition. fair to g. Item #20550
Price: $500.00