The Adventures of Telemachus, the Son of Ulysses

Paris: Bobée et Hingray, 1830. Cloth. Very Good. 7" by 4". None. This scarce copy of François Fénelon's didactic and political novel is printed in both French and English. Printed in both French and English, this scarce copy of Les aventures de Télémaque, fils d'Ulysse, or The Adventures of Telemachus, son of Ulysses, fills the gaps in Homer's Odyssey to tell the story of his son's education. Published anonymously in 1699 and later reissued in 1717, François Fénelon imagines the educational journey of Telemachus and Mentor, his aptly named tutor. In 1689, Fénelon himself was appointed to tutor the grandson of Louis XIV and wrote several important works to guide the young Duke, who was second in line to the French throne. Filled with teachings about altruism, alongside denunciations of war, luxury, and selfishness, the novel also contains political subcurrents in which Fénelon attacks the divine right to absolute monarchy. With French and English printed on opposing pages, this copy is great for language learners. Bookplate of 'A.C. Woodhouse' to the front paste down of both volumes, with the Woodhouse family motto 'in hoc signo', meaning 'in this sign thou shalt conquer'. Rebound in half calf binding over patterned boards. Lightly rubbed to the boards, with some minor wear to the extremities. A little rubbed to the spine, more so to the head and the tail. Internally, firmly bound. The pages are foxed throughout volume I, and to the first half of volume II, after which the foxing becomes lighter. Very Good