Peter Bichsel   Fine Books

Barclay, John. Euphormionis Lusinini Satyricon partes quinque cum Clavi.

With engr. title. 6 unn. leaves, 568 pp. 12mo. Contemp. vellum with ms. spine title. – Lugd(unum) Batavorum (Leiden), Elzevir, 1655.

Third Elzevir edition of John Barclay’s (1582–1621) picaresque work about the protagonist Euphormio from the utopian Lusinia. Including the deditacion to Drusus Daubray, signed by Joannes and Daniel Elzevir, which is missing in some copies. The actual narrative spans the first two parts, which were initially published in London in 1603 and 1607. Misinterpreted attacks on the novel prompted the author to publish the “Apologia Euphormionis pro se” (Paris 1610), a defense and explanatory treatise that served as the third part in subsequent editions. In 1614, the “Icon Animorum” was published as the fourth part, in which the widely traveled author shares his knowledge of different peoples. Barclay directs broad satirical criticism at the Jesuits, whose pupil he himself was around 1602 in Pont-à-Mousson. As socially critical as the first two parts appear, Barclay unquestioningly advocates in Part III, the “Apologia,” the pursuit of princely favor, which was considered exemplary in the 17th century. – Willems 758. – Some warping to boards. Headband loose. Minor browning inside. – Best.-Nr. 27118