IVVENILIA or Certain Paradoxes and Problems. Reproduced from the First Edition. With a bibliographical note by R.E. Bennett
New York: published for The Facsimile Text Society by Columbia University Press, 1936. Hardcover. Unpaginated, text reproduced with all faults (some original blurring and over-inking), an attractive little hardbound in 7.5x5 inch cloth boards ruled and spine-titled gilt, with blind panelling to upper cover. Not a fancy, but a pleasant book design, in very good condition: sound, clean and unmarked. Quite a contrast with the doctor's elder lucubrations upon the (un?)fair sex as in "busie old foole, unruly Sunne.." Facsimile text society publication no. 33.
Whimsy perhaps, or for the most part. Amongst the eleven "paradoxes" Donne lists are A Defence of Womens Inconstancy. That Women ought to Paint. That it is possible to find some vertue in some women. The "problems" open with a cynical appraisal of illegitimate birth, then go on to consideration of the colour green, an explanation why Puritans make long sermons, and back to alleged female foibles.
Cat.No: 262779
Price: $25.00