Le Pétarade, Poeme en Quatre Chants…
Paris: [1798 or 1799]. 8o: π21-68. First page of each gathering of eights signed only. pp. [5] 6-96. Half blue morocco with marbled paper boards, gilt lettered title to spine, contrasting marbled paper pastedowns. Bookplate of Lieven Spyckerelle to front pastedown. Item #6340
Pierre Joseph Andre Roubaud (1730-1791) was a French journalist and economist who served as the editor of several journals, most famously publishing a plea for a free corn trade. This small volume, published semi-anonymously and posthumously, attributed to “L’Ab. R******” on the title page, is concerned with the subject of flatulence. Divided into four songs, or poems, with notes accompanying each, the author spins a tale of the battle between farts and the nose. A scarce example of a well-known social critic dabbling in satire and humor.
This copy bears the bookplate of Belgian doctor and bibliophile Lieven Spyckerelle, best known for his involvement in the folk almanac ‘t Manneke uit de Mane. The logo for this almanac, a smiling crescent moon designed by Ferdinand Rodenbach, is also present in the Spyckerelle’s bookplate illustration.
Price: $1,500.00