Pure Curiosity: Botanical Letters and Notes Towards a Dictionary of Botanical Terms by Jean-Jacques Rousseau lands on the shelves of my shop.
Paddington Press, 1979, Hardback in dust wrapper.
First in this edition. Illustrated by way of: Black & White Photographs; Colour Plates;
From the cover: An elegant and enchanting excursion into the world of botanical observation, Pure Curiosity combines the acute perception and sensitivity of the philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau with the skill and artistry of one of the greatest names in the history of botanical illustration, Pierre-Joseph Redoute, the celebrated Salon painter once hailed as the Raphael of flowers.
Throughout his lifetime Rousseau displayed a passionate interest in the study of plants and flowers, but never more so than in his last fifteen years, beginning in 1762 when the French government condemned Émille and he was forced to flee France to seek asylum in his native Switzerland. It was here, particularly on the island of Saint-Pierre in Lake Biel, and later in England, at Woolen Hall near the Staffordshire-Derbyshire border, that he began his botanical studies in earnest as much as a means of solace as out of a profound desire to classify and categorize the natural world about him.
Between 1771 and 1773 Rousseau encapsulated his experiences and observations in a series of eight letters written to guide a friend to instruct her daughter in the principles of botany. It is these so-called elementary letters that form the basis of Pure Curiosity. Notable for their charm, delicacy and lightness of touch, the letters were circulated widely in the intellectual salons fashionable at the time. First published in 1782, five years after his death, in a collected edition of his work, the letters were subsequently issued on their own in 1800 and 1802. It was not until 1805, however with the stunning addition of sixty-five color plates created from Redoutes minutely observed and magnificently executed watercolour illustrations that La Botanique, as it had come to be called, was hailed as a classic amongst connoisseurs of both flowers and books.
Superbly designed and produced, with a perceptive critical introduction by Roy McMullen, Pure Curiosity is a facsimile edition based on a new translation of Rousseaus letters and tin-colour plates of the third (1821) edition of La Botanique. Much more than just another flower album from a bygone era, it will delight and fascinate gardeners, plant lovers and any other thinking, sensitive human being who enjoys observing nature and the marvels of the universe.
Very Good in Very Good Dust Wrapper. Edges of the text block lightly spotted. Text complete, clean and tight.
Green Marbled Effect boards with Gilt titling to the Spine. 154 pages. Index. 10″ X 7¾”.
Of course, if you don’t like this one there are plenty more available here!
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