Catalogue Number 7 - Susanne Schulz-Falster

First edition, uncommon, of this unusual work of social and literary history
4to, pp. [xxxiv], 103 (tables), [1], one folding woodcut bound in,
by the cleric and social reformer Henri Gregoire, arguably the Wrst compre-
twenty-Wve woodcuts in the text; some light browning, small hole due
hensive account of black literature. Gregoire (1750–1831) consistentl to ink erosion on one leaf of text; contemporary buV boards, some light
y championed equality and liberty.
dust-soiling; a Wne copy.
After publishing a stirring pamphlet on the emancipation of the Jews in
First edition, rare, of this interesting work on the mathematical calcula-
1787, he turned his attention to agitation against the slave trade and slavery
tion of liquid measures. Guerrino gives a brief introduction on how to es-
and denounced the prejudices of white people against the coloured races. In
tablish mathematically the contents of various casks, barrels, and tubs. In
this spirit the present work was written. It goes well beyond a literary his-
twenty-one examples he discusses how to take the appropriate measuretory
of black writers, giving instead an account of black culture. His real
ments of diVerently-shaped containers, and then explains in detail the math-
purpose was to demonstrate the industriousness, courage and family strucematical
solution of these geometrical questions. The rather attractive text
ture of the black population, as well as their artistic and professional skills.
woodcuts show examples of these containers. The second half is taken up
He included an interesting chapter on black musical culture, describing
with tabular calculations.
what was later to be called the ‘blues’, ‘musique des coeurs aZigés’.
Rather appealingly most of his sample calculations are made on food-
His work met with strong opposition from both French Haitian plantastuVs,
such as wine and oil, with appropriate illustrations of wine barrels
tion owners and slavery advocates in the United States. In anticipation of
and vintners Wlling vats. Guerrino (1733–1778), a Milanese mathemati-
this Gregoire had already arranged for translations into German and Engcian,
also published a number of treatises on geometry and surveying.
lish, which were published in 1809 and 1810 respectively. He even had a
Riccardi I, c. 650; B.IN.G. I, 999; NUC, RLIN and OCLC list just two copies at
copy sent to JeVerson, even though he severely criticised him in the book
for postulating moral and social inferiority of the black population.
Sabin 28727; Monglond VII, 987; for detailed analysis see R. F. Necheles, The
Abbé Grégoire 1787–1831. The Odyssey of an Egalitarian, 1971.
Yale and Harvard.
33 GUERRINO, Tomaso. Tavole della Tenuta di qualunque
Vassello, Bonza, Tinamastello, Secchione, ed altre simili Figure ec.
A misura del Brazzo di Legname, ed a Brente Milanese. Esattamente
calcolate. . . In Milano, nella Stamperia di Pietro Agnelli, 1767.
£750
susanne schulz-falster rare books catalogue seven
34 [GUETLE, Antonie.] Cytherens Kunstkabinett, oder Toiletten-
Hand- und Kunstbuch, aus eigenen Erfahrungen für ihre Freundinnen
bearbeitet. Nürnberg, A. G. Schneider & Weigel, 1804. £750
8vo, pp. xiv, [ii], 223, [2] advertisement (folding); title page vignette;
lackng front free endpaper; some spotting and foxing throughout,
stronger at beginning and end; contemporary marbled boards, spine
ruled in gilt with gilt-lettered label; extremities a little rubbed and
chipped.
First and only edition of this guide to perfume and cosmetics manufacturing,
purportedly written by a woman. The anonymous author, apparently
the owner of a perfumery and drugstore, who also runs a mail-order business,
writes in her introduction of her education at court and her connec-