A Journey to Paris in the Year 1698.
London, printed for Jacob Tonson, 1698
The book was lampooned at the time by the poet William King (1663-1712) for its supposed triviality. Despite this it performed well, and ran to three editions within a year. It offers an interesting firsthand account of Parisian scientific society at the turn of the century as seen through the eyes of a naturalist who would 'much rather have walked a 100 paces under the meanest Hedge in Languedoc, than any the finest Alley at Versailles or St. Clou' (p.3). Illustrated with six engraved plates on natural historical themes.
Not in the British Library. ESTC records just four copies in institutional collections, two in the British Isles (Cambridge University Library and the Royal Society) and two in North America (Countway Library of Medicine and Smith College).
First edition; 8vo (18.5 x 13 cm); 6 engraved plates (including 2 folding); modern French red crushed morocco in Jansenist style, raised bands, lettered in gilt with small monogram to foot of spine, broad gilt inner dentelles, all edges gilt; [6], 245, [1]pp. A very good example.
ESTC R179886; Wing L2524A.
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