G.W. Rabener - Verzameling van Hekelschriften - 1765

Gottlieb Wilhelm Rabener – Collection of Satirical Writings, translated from High German – Amsterdam, Pieter Meijer – 18th century – 5 volumes – complete set
Attractive and complete Dutch edition of the satirical writings of Gottlieb Wilhelm Rabener (1714–1771), one of the best-known German satirists of the Enlightenment.
A particularly appealing set, preserved in five uniform contemporary full-leather bindings, with raised bands, gilt-decorated compartments and contrasting gilt-lettered spine labels.
The first volume contains the fine engraved portrait of Rabener by Jacob Houbraken, dated 1762, as well as the engraved allegorical/satirical frontispiece by Simon Fokke.
Rabener was celebrated for his humorous and sharply observant criticism of the manners, vanity and follies of eighteenth-century society. His writings enjoyed considerable popularity outside Germany as well, as demonstrated by this substantial Dutch edition.
Complete in five volumes.
The fifth volume forms the posthumous continuation of the collection and includes, among other material, Rabener's correspondence.
Bindings with the expected signs of age and use: rubbing and wear to leather, edges, corners and spine ends; some small defects. Nevertheless, the bindings remain very attractive as a uniform eighteenth-century set. Internally generally well preserved, with occasional age-related spotting, browning and minor stains.
An attractive, complete and highly decorative five-volume set of eighteenth-century European satirical literature, enhanced by engravings by two important Dutch artists, Jacob Houbraken and Simon Fokke.
355pp - 348 pp - 353 pp - 376pp - 270pp.