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An Unusual Example of Early Victorian Eccentricity

HOUSMAN, MRS. CATHERINE.

Letter to Charles Empson, Esq.

Place and Imprint: London: Printed by Hughes and Robinson, 1848.
Edition: First edition.
Bibliographical References: OCLC records five copies (Duke, Columbia, Monash and London Library).
Condition: Ex-library markings at the foot of the title-page; edges a little rubbed; fine copy.
Book ID: 21874

Physical Description

8vo, contemporary (probably original) purple morocco, decoratively blind-stamped, gilt lettering, a.e.g. 16 plates (eight color).

Comments

An elaborate attempt to defend a literal interpretation of the Bible in the form of an eccentric attack on Charles Empson, who had apparently traveled to Egypt and had written about his findings there in connection with the scripture. Several of the plates are finely hand-colored renditions of Egyptian motifs, and the remaining plates are fine etching of Biblical scenes. About Mrs. Housman not a great deal is known, other than she was from Bath and published several other titles on similar themes, including such works as A Writing or Declaration from the Law Book, to Obliterate the House of the Revolver, or Solar System [1821] and Letter to Dr. Spry in Vindication of the Word of God Against Every Specimen of Scientific Opposition [1839].

Price: $250.00