The Gentleman And Lady’s Key, To Polite Literature; Or, A Compendious Dictionary Of Fabulous History;.
Bound in early calf with raised bands and gilt lines on spine and gilt dentelles. Boards worn and rubbed and hinges and joints loose. Occasional spotting but generally clean interior.
£250.00
Details
CLASSICAL DICTIONARY OF A FAMOUS PUBLISHER, c.1761
Publisher
Printed for J. Newbery, at the Bible and Sun in St. Paul's ChurchYard, London.,
Date
[c.1761].
Synopsis
Containing the characters, and principal actions, ascribed to the heathen gods, goddesses, heroes, &c. and the manner in which the ancients represented the deities & heroes, virtues and vices, in their paintings, statues and gems; together with some account of their poets, and references to the principal places mentioned in their works. intended for the assistance of those who would understand mythology, poetry, painting, statuary and theatrical entertainment; and particularly adapted to the use of latin and french schools.
Item Description
12mo. 3.5 x 5.5 inches. [126] leaves. Illustrated with engraved frontispiece and title page. A-A4, B-B6, C-Y4.
Notes
The first issue of the first edition (Roscoe dates it '1761 or before') of a popular work which had appeared in five editions by 1796. It served both a social and an educational function, and no doubt enabled the nouveau riche and their wives to acquire the rudiments of an instant classical education, while performing a similar function in schools.
John Newbery (1713-1767) was an established publisher in Reading before he moved to London in 1743. He became the first to create a separate list for children, The History of Little Goody Two-Shoes being his most popular work. It is likely that he wrote many of the books he sold, himself, including the Key. Newbery both supported and published Oliver Goldsmith and also published Dr Johnson in his periodicals. With a reputation for industry and philanthropy, he interested himself in a wide range of activities, from establishing newspapers to the sale of patent medicines.
[Stock No. 19827]
