1799 Rare Book Set - Solitude, or the Effect of Occasional Retirement on the Mind.
(Description)
Author: Johann Georg Zimmermann. Ridley, illustrator.
Title: Solitude, or the Effect of Occasional Retirement on the Mind, the Heart, General Society, in Exile, in Old Age, and on the Bed of Death. To which are added the Life of the Author; Notes Historical and Explanatory; a Copious Index; and Seven Beautiful Engravings by Ridley.
Publisher: London: Printed for Vernor and Hood, J. Cuthell, J. Walker, Lackington, Allen, and Co., J. Nunn, Ogilvy and Son, Darton & Harvey, W. Otridge and Son, R. Lea, and J. Scatcherd, 1799. First thus. Complete set of 2 volumes.
Language: Text in English.
Size : 7" X 4.5".
Pages: xlviii-310-index, 338-index pages + publisher's catalog.
Binding: Attractive and very good contemporary full tree calf binding with red and green leather spine labels, and gilt decoration on spine and boards. (hinges fine, overall slightly worn and scuffed - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover.
Content: Good to very good content (bright, tight, and clean, some toning, light foxing and staining particularly around the edges of the engraved plates - as shown, nice heraldic bookplate of Wyatt-Edgell of Cowley Place on the first endpapers - as shown).
Illustrations: Complete with a total of eleven beautiful engraved plates by Ridley.
The Books: This 1799 edition of Solitude by J.G. Zimmermann is a contemplative exploration of the virtues of solitude, covering its effects on the mind, heart, and society, as well as its role in old age and near death. This edition is enriched with notes and engravings that add both artistic and scholarly value to the work. A beautiful example of 18th-century binding with stunning marbled endpapers and tree calf boards, this two-volume set reflects the high craftsmanship of its time.
The Author: Johann Georg Zimmermann (1728–1795) was a Swiss philosopher, writer, and physician. He was best known for his treatise on solitude, a subject that fascinated him both personally and professionally. He was a friend of notable figures such as Catherine the Great and Frederick the Great, which influenced his writings on human emotions and society.
The illustrator: William Ridley (1764–1838) was an English engraver known for his fine portrait work and engravings. Ridley was one of the leading miniaturists of his day and contributed engraved plates to various books, including portraits and other subjects. The engravings in Solitude reflect his typical attention to detail and delicacy of line.