QUILLET, Claude, 1602-1661 [William Oldisworth, translates; Elisha Kirkall, engraves]

Callipaedia [Callipædia]: or, the art of getting pretty children. In four books. Translated from the original Latin of Claudius Quilletus. By several hands

London: Printed for Bernard Lintott at the Cross Keys between the Two Temple Gates in Fleetstreet, 1710. First Edition. Sheep. First Edition in English of this neo-Latin poem on procreation, pregnancy, and the raising of children, the translation of which (from the French) is attributed in subsequent editions to William Oldisworth. Foolscap 8vo (163 x 98mm): [16],72,[8]pp, complete with all five full-page engravings by Elisha Kirkall (the plates apparently were not ready when the book was issued and are often lacking, as with all three copies at the British Library) and four final index and advertisement leaves. Contemporary speckled sheep with handsome patina, boards framed with single gilt fillet, spine in six compartments between raised bands, recent morocco lettering piece gilt. Rubbing and scuffs to boards and spine, joints skillfully repaired, binding now sturdy and secure. Pages generally clean, with the plates in deep, rich impressions. Unsophisticated, and charmingly so. Case 253. Foxon O142. Wellcome IV p. 457. Item #BB0625

First published in Leiden, in 1655, and in Paris, in 1656. A Latin version was issued in London in 1708; two editions in English (the other printed for John Morphew) appeared in 1710 and in 1712. The French abbe Claude Quillet's poem concerns not only raising children but also choosing the right wife, and offers thoughts on marriage, divided into four books: "The First treats of the Nature and Variety of Beauty, and of the Choice of a Wife. The Second, of Marriage and Enjoyment, with Laws and Rules relating to both, from Nature and Astrology. The Third, of Conception, and Imagination. The Fourth and Last, of the Beauty of the Mind, of Education and Virtue, and of the Variety of Climes, Customs, and Manners." N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition, carefully preserved in archival, removable mylar sleeves. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed. (Fine Editions Ltd is a member of the Independent Online Booksellers Association, and we subscribe to its codes of ethics.).

Price: $724.00