The Anatomy of Melancholy by Robert Burton
Publication: 1676 Printed for Peter Parker; London The Eight Edition corrected and Augmented by the Author
A complete early edition of this important and fascinating work of medicine and philosophy by Robert Burton written under the name Democritus Junior, first published in 1621. This was the final seventeenth century edition, the last to be printed until 1800. With the often missing engraved title page by Christoffel Le Bron, and the scarce final publisher's advertisement leaf, and retaining the original half title 'the argument of the frontispiece' to its verso.A medical textbook on the subject of melancholia, Burton's work is written in a noticeably satirical tone in places, using melancholy as a lens through which all human emotion and thought may be scrutinize. Although presented as a medical study, it has been viewed as a work of literature as it is a scientific or philosophical text.Burton's digressive style, often verging on the stream of consciousness, informs and animates the text.
Condition: Original boards with contemporaty professionally rebacked spine and corners, the pages have some minor foxing along the edges, page 13 with minor tear to top corner not affecting text, prelim with minor tear no affecting text, small puncture to page 1 of The First Partition not affecting text, marbled edges, no marginalia to note which is quite uncommon for any 17th century book, overall in Very Good condition. More photos upon request.