Spectacle de la Nature : Or, Nature Display'd. Being Discourses on Such Particulars of Natural History as Were Thought Most Proper to Excite the Curiosity, and Form the Minds of Youth.

[Pluche, Noël Antoine]; [Samuel Humphreys (trans.)]

Published by Printed for J. Pemberton, N. Prevost, R. Franklin, C. Davis, London, 1733

About this Item

Octavo. xvi, 279; 300, [20]. Two parts bound in one. 5" x 8" Although Le Spectacle de la Nature was occasionally used as a natural science textbook in its time, Pluche's primary purpose in his eight volume work was to encourage young people to be excited and curious about the world around them. As the preface states, Pluche writes "with the View of making young Persons sensible what Treasures they possess unenjoyed, and to present to their Observation those things, that Distance, Minuteness, or Inattention may have concealed from them" (v). Written as a dialogue between four fictional characters, the book follows the young Chevalier du Breuil as he visits his friends in the country. During their walks, they discuss what they see, which in this volume includes insects, birds, terrestrial animals, fishes, and plants. The conversations are not too technical; as Pluche says, "we have endeavoured to exclude from [the work] whatever might seem disagreeable; and instead of a methodical Discourse, or a Chain of Dissertations, that frequently satiate and disgust, we have chosen the Style of Dialogue as most natural and proper to engage all sorts of Readers" (ix). A delightful mix of a natural history lesson with a lively chat with friends, this work welcomes you into wonder, crafting a lens of curiosity through which to see the world right outside your door. [Kennedy, Dictionary of Anonymous and Pseudonymous English Literature, 340]. Top stain rubbed, mild toning to first and final few pages, period inked inscription. Two plates fairly inconsequentially mis-bound. Plate for pt. 1, p. 235 bound at p. 135; plate for pt. 2, p. 170 bound in pt. 1. Inner and outer margins of illustrations inconsequentially shortened in the binding process, no loss to plates. Internally very clean and crisp, handsomely and tightly bound. An overall fine piece of eighteenth century natural history and philosophy. Simple modern rebind in full brown crushed morocco, gilt spine titles and decorations, all edges speckled red, top edge stain black, plain endpapers [Second Edition, First English Language Translation]. Seller Inventory # 225512

Bibliographic Details

Title: Spectacle de la Nature : Or, Nature ...

Publisher: Printed for J. Pemberton, N. Prevost, R. Franklin, C. Davis, London

Publication Date: 1733

Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: Illustrated with 21 bound-in copper plates (many folding), including frontispiece engraved by A. Motte.