Melchisédech Thévenot / Charles Moette - L'Art de Nager avec des avis pour se baigner utilement [22 figures] - 1782

Fourth edition of this first French treatise on swimming, given by Melchisédech Thévenot (1620-1692), which is also a small philosophy of bathing. Enhanced with 22 figures drawn and engraved by Charles Moette.

Bound in a contemporary full tan calfskin binding, smooth spine decorated with gilt stamps, leather title label and gilt initials, red edges. Carefully printed, a wide-margined copy.

Thévenot's work, although it may seem like a curiosity to today's bibliophile, was a popular work from the moment it was published. It was through this book that the breaststroke technique spread throughout Europe and that most French people discovered the discipline of swimming. The method was translated into English as early as 1699, and Benjamin Franklin, a swimming enthusiast and inventor of fins (!), was a fervent reader.

Although the book was judged rather harshly by encyclopedists in the article "Swimming", for being a repetition of what had already been written on the subject, it had an undeniable impact on the vision of swimming and its learning, not only in France, but in Europe, because if Thévenot's work does not provide new data on swimming, it is his conception which is new and which had an impact on society. It should be noted that Thévenot understands swimming from an exclusively practical aspect (notably survival) without the slightest sporting or entertaining connotation. He admits its benefits not only for sailors, but also for all combatants of all kinds in "pressing situations", even considering it a formidable strategic weapon. The preface to his work is an opportunity to draw up an overview of the illustrious cases of swimmers from Greco-Roman antiquity to the 17th century.

Condition: In good condition. Rubbing and split joints (solid covers). Heads leveled. Interior in excellent condition, rare foxing on the first 3 pages, bright paper.

Melchizedech Thévenot / Charles Moette
The Art of Swimming with advice on how to swim effectively... A work useful to everyone, and particularly intended for the education of young soldiers.
Paris, at Lamy, 1782
in-8 (19.5x12.5 cm); 363pp +22pl
Complete