Essays on Physiognomy; For the Promotion of the Knowledge and the Love of Mankind. Written in the German Language by John Caspar Lavater, and Translated into English by Thomas Holcroft. Second Edition. Illustrated By 418 Engravings. London: C. Whittingham for H.D. Symonds and J. Walker, 1804.
VERY RARE SECOND EDITION OF LAVATER'S FAMOUS WORK ON THE SCIENCE OF PHYSIOGNOMY, THE IDEA THAT PEOPLE'S CHARACTER TRAITS & PERSONALITY CAN BE ASSESSED FROM THEIR APPEARANCE.
-------------------
John Caspar Lavater (1741-1801), a Swiss poet, writer, and philosopher, was a prominent figure among descriptive physiognomists. He revolutionised the study of physiognomy by focusing on individual character traits rather than generalisations. His seminal work, "Von der Physiognomik" (1772), evolved into the influential four-volume "Physiognomische Fragmente" (1775-1778), expanded with the aid of Goethe. Notably, Lavater emphasised head structure, particularly the forehead, influencing later phrenology and brain localisation theories.
This lavishly illustrated work significantly impacted artists, guiding the creation of portraits and shaping faces in historical paintings based on physiognomical theories. Translated into numerous languages, Lavater's work gained immense popularity, with editions appearing across Europe and influencing cultural figures, including George Washington and even Lavater himself.
Lavater's belief that one could discern character from physical appearance was encapsulated in this highly popular book, sparking widespread interest across Europe. This interest was not solely due to the text's content but also owed much to the elegance of its engravings and publication style. The book included portraits of numerous historically important figures, such as Julius Caesar, Rene Descartes, Erasmus, Socrates, Homer, Salome, Satan (the Devil), John Locke, John Milton, Isaac Newton, Raphael, Voltaire, George Washington, and even several of himself.
The study of physiognomy, tracing character traits from physical features, experienced cycles of acceptance and disfavour over the centuries, being very popular in Ancient Greece among Greek philosophers. Lavater's work notably revived interest in this ancient science, which had waned during the Middle Ages, influencing its resurgence in the later nineteenth century.
This is a work scarcely seen available for sale for less than £2,000, and is often advertised at several multiples of the aforementioned price.
-------------------
Size: 157 x 237 mm (approx., each)
Condition:
[vi, (2), i-cxlix, i, pp.[1]-242, 34 numbered plates]; [iv, pp.[1]-324, 21 numbered plates]; [iv, pp.[1]-272, 61 numbered plates]; [ii, pp.273-399, 10pp (index), 95 numbered plates]
Three volumes bound into four as typical. Bound in uniform full calf, probably original or very near contemporary. Some wear and dryness to the leather but generally remains very good. All tooled labels are present and show nicely with minor loss. Some rubbing to joints but they are secure with all boards securely attached. No shelf lean, bindings firm. Boards all very good or better. Page edges very good with top edges uniformly dulled as typical. 150 numbered plates with a further 268 unnumbered comprising a total of 418 plates throughout the set. Collated as complete through each volume. A bit of dampstaining throughout and light foxing to endpapers but generally very clean throughout. Some edge toning to endpapers as commensurate with the full calf bindings. No attached bookplates or ownership inscriptions.
An excellent set.
[Lowndes 1321; Brunet III, 887 (describing the first edition); OCLC 14849639].
