Traite Du Poeme Epique (1693)
Description
Traite Du Poeme Epique (1693)
by Rene Le Bossu
Title translated: Treaty of the Epic Poem
6 ½ x 3 ¾. In French. Printed for Chez Andre Pralard in Paris, 1693. An Early Edition. Complete. Contemporary mottled calf, neatly rebacked (apparently in the 18th century), gilt ruled spine with raised bands and stylized gilt floral ornament as a compartment centerpiece. Engraved allegorical frontispiece, woodcut title vignette, headpieces, and tailpieces. Light pencil marks on front and rear pastedowns. Title printed in red and black. Leather a bit dry, tiny branching wormhole in lower margin of last four leaves, but otherwise a truly EXCELLENT and remarkably CRISP copy in a sound and pleasant binding.
First printed in 1675, this treatise on the epic poem is the chief work (along with a book discussing Aristotle and Descartes) of the French critic Le Bossu (1631 – 80). His writing was praised by Boileau and Dryden and quoted in Congreve’s “The Double Dealer” as well as in Macaulay’s “History of England.” His main thesis is that the epic poet, epitomized by Virgil and Homer, creates a poetic allegory intended to teach moral behavior and belief. This doctrine runs counter to most modern notions of dramatic technique because Le Bossu argues that the theme of any work should be determined before the creation of characters, and that the action should process independently from those personages who participate in it. Early editions are not commonly seen in the marketplace.
** A reproduction of this book’s edition is INCLUDED with purchase. **
Price: $375
Shipping: FREE via USPS Priority Mail
Inventory Number: 79200
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