1697 1st ed Evelyn Numismata Illustrated Medals Coins Physiognomy Numismatics

1697 1^st ed Evelyn Numismata Illustrated Medals Coins Physiognomy Numismatics

“The long and prolixer beard was ever a mark of gravity and wisdom in men, but a woman with a hairy chin, was saluted as a monster, by a peal of stones at her.”

– John Evelyn, Numismata

John Evelyn’s ‘Numismata’ is one of the most important 17^th-century books on numismatics, ancient coins, medals, collecting them, and identifying authentic and fakes. This 1697 first edition is illustrated with engravings of medals each with inscriptions and commentary on the figures. While the title of the works refers to both numismatics, which includes coins, the content of Evelyn’s treatise focuses primarily on medals alone.

This work though, takes a bizarre turn and covers more than just the study of medals. Evelyn writes about human physiognomy and the importance of the human face which appears on medals and coins. One rather odd section discusses the appearance of a beard on both a man and a woman!

Item number: #7725

Price: $950

EVELYN, John

Numismata, a discourse of medals, antient and modern; together with some account of heads and effigies of illustrious and famous persons, in sculps, and taille-douce, of whom we have no medals extant; and of the use to be derived from them to which is added a digression concerning physiognomy.

London: Tooke, 1697. First edition.

Details:

• Collation: Complete with all pages
  • [8], 342, [14]
  • Signatures: A⁴-Z⁴, Aa⁴-Xx⁴, Yy²-Zz², Aaa²
  • 100+ illustrations throughout
• References: Keynes 104; Wing E 3505; Graesse, II, 535; Johnston, Beard Fetish in Early Modern England; Lowndes 768; ESTC R 21821
• Language: English
• Binding: Leather; tight & secure
• Size: ~12in X 8in (31cm x 20.5cm)

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7725