Fontenelle

1929 · 887P25 — London: The Nonesuch Press 1929. Vellum. Very Good Indeed. 8.5" by 5.5". T. L. Poulton. A Nonesuch limited edition of the important Enlightenment scientific work by Bernard de Fontenelle a smart work in the original slipcase. A limited edition work limited to 1600 copies for sale by the Nonesuch Press of which this is numbered 1108. In the original publisher's limp vellum wraps in the original publisher's decorative slipcase in a very good condition.A popular early science work on cosmic pluralism a fascinating work on astronomy.This was Fontenelle's most famous work first published in France in 1686 and indeed was one of the first major works of the Age of Enlightenment.Fontenelle is known for his accessible treatment of scientific subjects during the beginnings of the Age of Enlightenment.This edition uses the 1688 translation by John Glanvill.Colour-stencilled decorations throughout by T. L. Poulton. The Nonesuch Press specialised in limited edition and private press. They were founded by Francis Meynell his second wife Vera Mendel and their friend David Garnett. Their aspiration was for their publications to be aligned with the same aesthetic standards as the private press movement. They were unusual as they used a small Albion press to design the books but had them printed by commercial printers. In doing so books with the quality of a fine-press were produced but available to a wider audience at lower prices. In the original publisher's vellum wraps. Externally generally smart with light discolouration as is usual with a vellum binding. Internally firmly bound. Pages are bright and clean. Slipcase is a little worn with rubbing to the extremities in a very good condition. Very Good Indeed The Nonesuch Press hardcover