Benoît de Maillet - Telliamed ou Entretiens d’un philosophe indien - 1749

Benoît de Maillet – Telliamed or The Conversations of an Indian Philosopher with a French Missionary on the Diminution of the Sea, the Formation of the Earth, the Origin of Man, etc. – 1749 – Old binding

Rare 18th-century edition of the famous work by Benoît de Maillet, Telliamed, or the Conversations of an Indian Philosopher with a French missionary on the diminution of the sea, the formation of the Earth, the origin of Man, etc.

• Author: Benoît de Maillet (1656–1738)
• Edition: Basel, by the Associated Booksellers
• Year: 1749
• Language: French
• Binding: Old leather binding, spine adorned with gold motifs
• Condition: Antique condition with signs of use

Noteworthy work in the history of science and 18th-century naturalistic thought. In Telliamet, Benoît de Maillet develops an original theory of the formation of the Earth and the marine origin of life, anticipating certain scientific debates of subsequent centuries.

Conservation status:
Old binding showing rubbing, wear, and alterations of the gilding, especially at the spine. Inner pages showing natural yellowing, some stains and traces of time. Fine early typography with wood-engraved ornaments.

Authentic 18th-century exemplar, preserved in its old binding.
A sought-after work for any collection dedicated to the history of nature, geology, the philosophy of the Enlightenment, and old books.