[Rarebooks] FS: The Babbler, The Disputer, The Swearer... 1814

[Joslin Hall Rare Books, ABAA]

[Bordelon, Abbe Laurent].  THE MANAGEMENT OF THE TONGUE...

Boston Published by Isaiah Thomas, Jun.
John Elliot, Printer: 1814. 2nd edition.

The first "Theophrastan" character-study to be published in America.
Theophrastus, a student of Aristotle and famous scientist and author in
his own right, wrote a series of character studies of Athenians which has
been used as an inspiration by modern authors since at least the 16th
century. Theophrastan character studies, while generally sharp-edged and
with satiric overtones, are usually not overtly satirical.

"The Management of the Tongue" was written by the Abbe Laurent Bordelon
[1653-1730] and first published in France in 1705. It includes such
characters as The Babbler, The Silent Man, The Droll, The Jester, The
Disputer, The Swearer, The Reprover, The Adviser and many more. He also
includes a chapter on conversation in general, and the Language of Love,
and focuses his text on self-help-

  "The reader will not find here any metaphysical
   abstractions, any advices more spiritual than
   practicable, nor any idea of a perfection so sublime,
   that men do commonly despair to attain to them.
   This book contains nothing but familiar truths,
   and such practices as are not above the reach of
   those who will make trial of them... I writ this
   book, and this book improves me every day. The more
   I reflect on what it contains, the more I polish
   and perfect myself".

The first English edition was printed in 1706 and the first American
edition in 1783. There are Isaiah Thomas Jr. editions of 1813, 1814, and
1817.

Hardcover, 3.75"x6.5", 250 pages bound in the original publisher's blue
paper-covered boards, boards very rubbed, some soil spine partially
perished along the head and base; front hinge split and hanging on by two
cords; scattered light to moderate internal foxing. Embossed stamp of the
American Antiquarian Society, and embossed "duplicate sold" stamp of the
A.A.S.  [4920]  $200.00

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