1738 The Temple of the Muses

Description

First Edition, Leather Binding, Very Scarce

The vanishingly scarce first English language translation of this work to be published in England. 

This English language translation was first published in Amsterdam in 1733. While the Amsterdam edition was illustrated throughout with Picard's engravings, our first England edition was issued without illustrations.

The text discusses classical fables and myths, such as those found in Ovid's 'Metamorphoses'. Based on an earlier work by Abbé de Marolles, Antoine de La Barre de Beaumarchais discusses tales of heroes and gods, such as the myths of Sisyphus, Andromeda, Hercules and the Hydra, and Phaeton's Fall.

ESTC T90860

With the register: a12, b8, B1-5, B4-10, C-O12, P6, Q6. Collated, complete. Despite the irregularity in register to gathering B, the pagination and catchwords run correctly.

Rebacked, retaining original endpapers.

With the contemporary bookplate of W. Dodd to the front pastedown, and a contemporary 1738 former owner's inscription to the front free endpaper. With a 1997 inscription to the head of the front pastedown.

A fascinating, detailed, and very scarce analysis and retelling of classical mythology.