J.B Delestre - La Physiognomonie - 1866

Superb illustrated edition of this work on physiognomy, an ancient discipline that claims to establish a link between an individual's physical appearance, particularly facial features, and their moral, intellectual, or psychological character.

Although the absence of author and date makes it impossible to identify precisely this edition, the work is evidently part of a long tradition dating back to Antiquity and largely developed in Europe between the 16th and 19th centuries.

Its objective is to examine the forms of the human face in order to deduce the natural dispositions, passions, virtues, faults, and aptitudes of the people observed.

The text generally begins by setting out the theoretical principles of physiognomy, according to which nature would imprint in the body’s features the deep characteristics of the soul.

J.B Delestre - La Physiognomonie - 1866

Good binding condition, the work in its period half brown leather binding, marbled boards, usual wear including abrasions on the spine, some minor defects on the cover, gilt edges, spine with raised bands, gilded lettering and author’s name.

Good interior condition, some stains, missing the title page, the work enriched with numerous and beautiful black engravings in the text, marbled endpapers in good condition, a pleasing copy.

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