Grobianus et Grobiana. De morum simplicitate libri tres, in gratiam omnium rusticitatis amantium conscripti [corr. enl. ed.].

8vo: 96 ff. (sl. toned, lower part of title torn off with loss of imprint, lower half dampstained, some thumbing).

20th-c. red calf, blind-ruled covers, gilt spine on 4 raised bands, decorative endpapers (sl. tanned).

Rare early repr. (1st 1549 as Grobianus, from 1554 as Grobianus and Grobiana) of a popular satyrical Latin poem. It is “ostensibly intended to educate by way of depicting such grotesque vulgarity that readers would surely mend their own ways. Here, an ignorant would-be gallant is instructed in proper behavior at the table and at post-gustatory revelries. Many of the ironic exhortations are in regards to such points of (in)delicacy as helping oneself with one’s greasy fingers to the nicest portions of any dish, casting desirable edible items to the dogs, efficiently snatching the lobster claws belonging to one’s fellow diners” (PRB&M). Title in red and black. Text in italics. Ref. VD-16 D-390. - BnF. - Not in Adams, Oberlé, STC German (BL). Prov. Libr. stamp on title. - Blind initials "VB" on front cover.