1810 Essays on Physiognomy, Designed to Promote the Knowledge and the Love of Mankind

Description

Illustrated, Leather Binding

Complete in five volumes, being three volumes bound in five. Collated, complete. A fascinating work on the science of physiognomy, a study of assessing someone's character traits and personality from their appearance. The science was popular and accepted among the ancient Greek philosophers, though fell out of favour in the Middle Ages, before being brought back into popularity in the later nineteenth century by Johann Kaspar Lavater. Though there is no clear evidence that physiognomy is a true science, it is still and interesting area to study. Volume I illustrated with fifteen plates and numerous in-text engravings. Volume II Part I illustrated with forty-six plates and numerous in-text engravings. Volume II Part II illustrated with forty-seven plates and numerous in-text engravings. Volume III Part I illustrated with twenty-three plates and numerous in-text engravings. Volume III Part II illustrated with forty-two plates and numerous in-text engravings. Half-titles to each volume. Volume II Part II and Volume III Part II without title-page, as is called for. Written by Johann Kaspar Lavater, a Swiss philosopher, physiognomist, and theologian. Lavater is best known for his work in the field of physiognomy, and is the principal promoter of the contemporary interest in the science. Translated from French to English by Henry Hunter. hunter was a Scottish minister, and also translated works by Leonard Euler. Illustrated by Thomas Holloway, an English portrait painter, and is best known for his engravings of cartoons by Raphael at Windsor Castle. Also with plates by Henry Fuseli and William Blake.