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The Pursuits of Literature, a Satirical Poem in Four Dialogues, With Notes. To Which Are Added an Appendix; The Citations Translated; And A Complete Index. The Sixteenth Edition.
Mathias, Thomas James · London
- Author
- Mathias, Thomas James
- Date
- 1812
- Place
- London
- Publisher
- Becket and Porter
- Language
- English
- Binding
- 4to.(9" x 11.5") Full brown polished calf with gilt rule bordering a gilt rule frame with fancy corners framing a centered gilt armorial crest to both covers. Evidently rebacked spine with five gilt decorated raised bands, gilt title to gilt rule bordered second compartment, gilt year at foot, large heavy gilt floral device centered with gilt rule framing each other compartment, the sixth compartment with lighter leather used to reback original spine.All edges marbled, marbled endpapers. Edgewear, corners bumped and rubbed with loss to tips, covers with old stains. Lighter leather used to reback original spine (see pic). Intermittent foxing throughout. A large, well-bound book.
- Format
- First published from 1794 to 1797, Pursuits of Literature is a satirical poem attacking contemporary literary figures. The book was incredibly popular, lauded by contemporary writers, and went through sixteen editions by 1812. However, it is little known today, perhaps due to the extensive footnotes and quotations printed in the original Greek, Latin, French, Italian and German that had to be read in order to understand the satirical nature of the poem. The author, Thomas James Mathias served as treasurer to Queen Charlotte and for many years was reluctant to admit that he had written Pursuits of Literature despite the praise the work received and the imitators it inspired. By 1799, it was widely known that Mathias was the author but he continued to deny it until he had left Britain and moved to Italy in 1817.
- Category
- Literature & Poetry
- Record
- S.I.6847
The Pursuits of Literature, a Satirical Poem in Four Dialogues, With Notes. To Which Are Added an Appendix; The Citations Translated; And A Complete Index. The Sixteenth Edition. Thomas James Mathias. 1812. London: Becket and Porter. 4to.(9" x 11.5") Full brown polished calf with gilt rule bordering a gilt rule frame with fancy corners framing a centered gilt armorial crest to both covers. Evidently rebacked spine with five gilt decorated raised bands, gilt title to gilt rule bordered second compartment, gilt year at foot, large heavy gilt floral device centered with gilt rule framing each other compartment, the sixth compartment with lighter leather used to reback original spine.All edges marbled, marbled endpapers. Edgewear, corners bumped and rubbed with loss to tips, covers with old stains. Lighter leather used to reback original spine (see pic). Intermittent foxing throughout. A large, well-bound book. First published from 1794 to 1797, Pursuits of Literature is a satirical poem attacking contemporary literary figures. The book was incredibly popular, lauded by contemporary writers, and went through sixteen editions by 1812. However, it is little known today, perhaps due to the extensive footnotes and quotations printed in the original Greek, Latin, French, Italian and German that had to be read in order to understand the satirical nature of the poem. The author, Thomas James Mathias served as treasurer to Queen Charlotte and for many years was reluctant to admit that he had written Pursuits of Literature despite the praise the work received and the imitators it inspired. By 1799, it was widely known that Mathias was the author but he continued to deny it until he had left Britain and moved to Italy in 1817.
Condition
Good
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