Essays on Physiognomy: Translated from the German... by Thomas Holcroft: Also One Hundred Physiognomical Rules, Taken from a Posthumous Work by J.C. Lavater; And a Memoir of the Author. Fourteenth Edition
London: William Tegg, 1869. Hardcover. Octavo. Very Good. Item #34015
Pp. cxxviii, 507. Engraved frontis portrait and 80 full-page plates. Contemporary half calf over marbled boards, spine densely gilt in compartments between raised bands in an all-over lozenge design, morocco label, gilt, marbled endpapers and edges. Binding rubbed at extremities, front joint starting to split but still holding, portrait foxed, ink signature on title, sporadic light foxing throughout, but overall a nice copy. Johann Kaspar Lavater, a Swiss theologian and poet, is chiefly remembered for his work, "Physiognomische Fragmente..." (1775-8). In it he attempted to establish a systematic basis for the study of human facial features and their relation to character and personality, and thus elevate physiognomy to a science. The success of his book, "which found enthusiastic admirers in France and England, as well as in Germany, rests to a great extent upon the handsome style of publication and the accompanying illustrations. It left, however, the study of physiognomy as desultory and unscientific as it found it." (E.B. 11th ed.).
Price (CAD): $150.00