Rare Book Monthly
Book Catalogue Reviews - December - 2004 Issue
English & European Books Pre-1800 From John Windle
Dinnertime in ancient Rome.
Item 35, Praxis medicinae theorica et empirica familiarissima, by Gualtherus Bruele, is an interesting medical book. Published in 1581 (this is the second edition), it undoubtedly had some of the best medical advice of its day. It includes the interleaved notes of 17th century physician Peter Rommel. There are 17 pages of these manuscript annotations which include Rommel's observations as to how effective various treatments were. $5,750.
Edmund Randolph was a noted Virginia political leader who served as an aid to Washington prior to the Revolution. His support for that cause was somewhat surprising as his father was a loyalist. Randolph became Governor of Virginia and presented the Virginia Plan to the constitutional convention. Randolph would not sign the constitution, but would change his mind and urge Virginia to adopt it, despite certain misgivings. He favored an odd plan to have three chief executives, as he feared the equivalence of a monarchy if too much power was concentrated in one person's hands. Randolph continued his middle of the road (some would say indecisive) outlook through the coming disputes between Federalists and Republicans, and those who tilted toward England versus those who tilted toward France. It seemed to please no one. When Jefferson resigned as Secretary of State in 1794, Washington appointed Randolph as his successor. However, he became the victim of political intrigue when false claims to the effect that he would accept a bribe were made by a French minister. Randolph resigned and published his A Vindication of Mr. Randolph's Resignation in 1795. Randolph was displeased with the lack of support received from Washington, and his country's father comes off as indecisive as a result of what was not one of his finest moments. It would be many years before the full truth of the incident and Randolph's innocence would be proven. Item 150. $175.
Item 46, De Triclinio sive de Modo convivandi apud prisco Romanos, by Petrus Ciacconius (Pedro Chacon) describes a lifestyle we can all aspire to. It's a collection of writings describing the feasting and other decadent habits of ancient Rome. There is much about feasting, including a dissertation on eating while reclining. There is also a section on bathing six or seven times a day, and, of course, on dining while bathing. Bathing, naturally, may be partaken in either water or wine. $1,450.
John Windle, Antiquarian Bookseller, may be found on the internet at www.johnwindle.com or reached by phone at 415-986-5826.
