A Guide to classical Learning: or, Polymetis abridged being a Work absolutely necessary, not only for the right Understanding of the Classics, but also for forming in young Minds a true Taste of the Beauties of Poetry, Sculpture, and Painting. The fourth Edition. Illustrated with twenty-eight Prints from original Antiques, and more particularly adapted to the Use of Schools and Academies

Published by London, J.Dodsley, 1777., 1777

  • Signed
  • Used
See all details
Heritage seller

Seller: Bernard Quaritch Ltd ABA ILAB, London, United KingdomBernard Quaritch Ltd ABA ILAB

5-star seller

AbeBooks seller since June 30, 1998

Association member: ABAPBFAILAB

Condition: Used

£ 250.00

£ 32.00 shipping 
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.

Quantity: 1 available

Add to basket
Free 30-day returns

Item description from seller

12mo, pp.[12], xxxiv, 224, [6(index)], with an engraved frontispiece and 12 plates, the last folding and signed 'P.Fourdrinier'; very slight marginal blue stain to frontispiece, last quire shaken; else a handsome copy in contemporary speckled calf, red morocco lettering-piece; hinges cracked; printed booklabel of Edwin Sandys to front pastedown, dated 1778 (see below), over another Sandys family inscription.Second illustrated edition (fourth overall) of Nicholas Tindal's abridgement for schools of Polymetis (1747), a dialogue by the traveller, scholar, friend of Alexander Pope, and Regius Professor of Modern History at Oxford Joseph Spence (1699–1748), in which he explored the connections between Roman poetry and art and took aim at the pedantry of modern classical scholarship. 'Conceived during Spence's first visit to Italy and with much of its material collected there, Polymetis … was attacked in Gotthold Ephraim Lessing's Laokoon (1766) and, though new editions appeared in 1755 and 1774, and abridged versions for the use of schools were current until the 1820s, it sank fairly quickly from serious notice. However, it proved an invaluable guide to mythological images for Keats' (ODNB). Tindal's Polymetis abridged turned Spence's work into a broad guide to the classics and was first published in 1764, and then with illustrations and specifically adapted for schools in 1768. It condensed Spence's work by 'omitting the quotations' and presenting the 'real intent of the allegories and machinery' of classical mythology – 'and therefore … it is undoubtedly preferable to any school-book of the kind hitherto published'. Provenance: Edwin Blundell Sandys (1765–1785), the youngest son of Col.Martin Sandys (1729–1768), of Ombersley Court, Worcestershire. His sister Mary Sandys, later Marchioness of Downshire, was the only of three siblings to survive to maturity and would inherit the family estates from her uncle. ESTC N7457. Language: English.…

Seller Inventory # G2670.3

Bibliographic details

Title
A Guide to classical Learning: or, Polymetis abridged being a Work absolutely necessary, not only for the right Understanding of the Classics, but also for forming in young Minds a true Taste of the Beauties of Poetry, Sculpture, and Painting. The fourth Edition. Illustrated with twenty-eight Prints from original Antiques, and more particularly adapted to the Use of Schools and Academies
Author
[SPENCE, Joseph.] Nicholas TINDAL.
Publisher
London, J.Dodsley, 1777.
Publication year
1777
Signed
Signed by Author(s)

Bernard Quaritch Ltd ABA ILAB

London, United Kingdom

5-star seller

AbeBooks seller since June 30, 1998

Association member:

Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.

Item5 to 7 business days3 to 5 business days
First item£ 32.00£ 60.00
Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.

Payment methods

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay
  • Bank Draft
  • Bank Wire Transfer

Store description

Rare Books & Manuscripts, since 1847. Art & Architecture, Early Printing, Economics, English & European Literature, Human Sciences, Islamic World, Law, Manuscripts, Music, Natural History, Philosophy, Photography, Politics, Science & Medicine, Travel. Archives, valuations, & auction commissions. Catalogues issued regularly.

Specialty

English Literature, Foreign Literature, Manuscripts, Travel, Science, Continental, Human Sciences, Art, Antiquarian Books, Islamic

Association member

  • Antiquarian Booksellers' Association
  • Provincial Booksellers Fairs Association
  • International League of Antiquarian Booksellers
Members of these associations are committed to maintaining the highest standards. They vouch for the authenticity of all items offered for sale. They provide expert and detailed descriptions, disclose all significant defects and/or restorations, provide clear and accurate pricing, and operate with fairness and honesty during the purchase experience.

Seller's business information

Bernard Quaritch Ltd ABA ILAB

36 Bedford Row
London, United Kingdom WC1R 4JH