Ebrietatis Encomium or The Praise of Drunkenness
New York: Privately printed, 1922. Reprint. Hardcover. Quarto. 177pp. Original brown paper-covered boards with gilt-stamped illustration and ruling on cover and gilt lettering on spine, in brown dustjacket with gilt lettering on spine. Two frontispiece engravings. Reprinted from the scarce London edition of 1723. Publisher's device on title page. Contains original title page in facsimile. "Robert Samber, who had translated La Motte's "Court Fables" for E. Curl, the London publisher, advertised himself in the "Country Journal", July 15, 1727, as having been the author of "Ebrietatis Encomium." Moreover, there is in existence the original contract between Curl and Samber fixing his compensation for the Ms. of this volume, which is therin expressly stated to be of his own composition. In spite of this attempt to deceive, which is supposed to have been connived in by Curl, this work was a free translation of "L'Eloge de L'Yvresse," which was first published at La Haye in 1714. The author was Albert Henri de Sallengre, who was an advocate in the court of Holland and who became auditor-surveyor of the Bank of Holland." (Lewis M. Thompson). Includes author's preface. Printed to heavy handmade paper, uncut at bottom and foredge. DJ with light wear along edges. Binding with very light wear along edges, except one inch closed tear at bottom front joint, minor chips. DJ, binding and interior in overall very good condition. vg. Item #45299
Price: $75.00