BULWER, John. Anthropometamorphosis: Man Transform'd, or the Artificiall Changling historically presented, in the mad and cruell Gallantry, foolishly bravery, ridiculous Beauty, filthy finenesse and lothsome Loveliness of most Nations, fashioning and altering their Bodies from the mould intended by Nature, with Figures of those Transfigurations.
Pub. LONDON: Printed by William Hunt, Anno Dom. 1653.
Bulwer was a physician who wrote a number of books including one which instructed the deaf and dumb how to communicate. This most unusual book deals with every sort of deformation (self-inflicted) tattooing, splitting of noses, ear piercing, filing teeth unusual forms of dress etc. His Anthrometamorphamosis appeared first in 1650 without illustrations. The 1653 edition is rare, notably so when complete. The portrait of Bulwer is by William Faithorne and is particularly fine.
As well as the engraved portrait and frontpiece, there numerous woodcuts throughout also printed comments in the left and right margins in the Introduction and main text. The Main text also has upper left and right margin text marks with ornamental underlining.
Collation; 4°, [a]2 A4 *4-4*4 5*2(-5*2) B-4G4 ($1-3 signed [-A1-2, *3, +R4, T4; **1-2 missigned ***1-2]) 323 leaves, pp. [8] [i-xlviii] 1-559 [31] [=646]; plates [1] (opp 2Sv). Fine binding in gilt decorated full morrocco by Riviere is in reasonable condition with a few knicks. Contents are toned with the occasional section of very heavy foxing. Majority with moderate foxing. Pages straight and well bound. Refer to images.
Note in pencil on fly leaf 'Dr Laing's copy sold for £7.5 in Dec 1819'. Noted on the back leaf 'collated and perfect pro B. Quaridch E.D.H. 22/6/80'. This is Edmund Hunt Dring, later (in 1917) managing director of Quaridch, he died in 1928 having been with the firm since 1877. Bookplates, Ex Libris Herbert S. Leon & Ex Libris Anatomica K.F. Russell. (180x130mm)


Estimate $2,500-4,500