Jonathan Swift; Justus Van Effen - Le conte du tonneau, contenant tout ce que les arts et les sciences ont de plus sublime - 1757

Very beautiful copy. New illustrated edition of the first French translation, as well as the second augmented with a plate: the first published in 1721, which contained only 6 figures against a frontispiece, and 7 for the 1732 edition and ours of 1757. Good prints of the engravings.

Some very curious plates in this collection are highly appreciated, especially the one depicting the famous battles of the books.

The translation is by Van Effen (1684-1725).

In volume 3, the rare 'Treatise on Dissensions between the Nobles and the People,' 'The Art of Cunning in Poetry,' and 'The Art of Political Lies' are presented as a sequel to the 'Tonneau Tale' and offered by subscription.

Title pages in red and black.

Bindings from the period in full calf, marbled glazed leather, smooth spine, titles and volume numbers on pieces of mosaic morocco, with a beautiful cloisonné decoration with flowers and small gold tools.

Very decorative set, bindings in very good condition, minor flaws (missing at the headcap, wormwork at the lower headcap of volume 3). Slightly pierced corners. Interior clean despite slightly browned pages. Very beautiful copy.

The Tale of the Barrel, as well as other treatises, are satirical writings, of which the author had made a sort of specialty. The Tale of the Barrel particularly deals with dissensions among Christians; this work also led Swift to be denied access to the bishopric of the cathedral where he was dean. These satirical pamphlets are primarily early works from Swift's literary career; it was only twenty years later that he would compose The Adventures of Gulliver. The free, humorous, offbeat, pompous, and irreverent style that characterizes them has, over time, become one of the most distinctive marks of the English spirit.

Justus Van Effen (1684-1725). Dutch writer, journalist, and translator. He primarily wrote in French and translated several English works into French: Robinson Crusoe with Thémiseul de Saint Hyacinthe in 1720, Swift's The Tale of the Barrel in 1721, and Joseph Addison's The Modern Mentor in 1723…

Jonathan Swift ; Justus Van Effen

The tale of the barrel, containing all that the arts and sciences have most sublime and most mysterious; along with several other very curious pieces. By the famous Jonathan Swift

Follow-up Treaty of Disputes between the Nobles and the People, in the Republics of Athens and Rome, etc. The Art of crawling in poetry, and The Art of political lying; translated from English by Mr. Jonathan Swift, to serve as a continuation to the Tale of the Barrel.

The Hague, Henri Scheurleer, 1757

Complete in 3 volumes of 16 pages each (Dedication + preface) + 312 pages; 12 pages (preface), 296 pages; XVI-280 pages.

Measuring 12 of 17 by 9.5 cm.

Subject: Swift satire on religion and Christianity, translated by Van Effen, 'Conte Tonneau' 1757.