Chevalier de l escale - 1 - 1620-1620

Remarkable and very rare small volume from the 17th century, a jewel of feminist literature of the baroque era taking part in the famous “Querelle des femmes.”

Full title: Alphabet of Excellence and Perfection of Women. Against the Infamous Alphabet of Their Imperfection & Malice.

Author: Jacques de Lescale, Knight of Lescale.

Feature: Also contains the second treatise: “With another Alphabet. Dictated by the Holy Spirit Himself in praise of women and in confusion of the slanderers.”

Publisher Bookseller: At Nicolas de La Vigne (Paris, in the Court of the Palace, near the steps of the Sainte-Chapelle).

Era: Early 17th century (circa 1610–1630).

Format: Small-format of the period.

Historical context:
This work is a direct and cutting response to the violent misogynist pamphlet by Alexis Trousset (published under the pseudonym Jacques Olivier) entitled The Alphabet of the Imperfection and Malice of Women. The Knight de Lescale here takes up the pen to dismantle point by point the arguments of the time with great wit, verve, and erudition. A fascinating historical testimony on the place and defense of women under the regency of Mary de Médicis or the reign of Louis XIII.

Condition:
Title page: Authentic, printed on period rag paper. It presents a beautiful patina, foxing and natural damp stains due to its great age, as well as a small old restoration or a crease in the lower margin (see photos).

Binding & Body of the work: (To be completed by you according to the condition of the spine, boards and whether the text is complete!)