PRIZE BINDING FOR A YOUNG WOMAN

Brans, Taco (Jr): Catechismus der Natuur. Ten gebruike van kinderen […] Met een ophelderend koperen Plaatje. Leiden, bij D. Du Mortier en Zoon, 1793.

Copy in prize binding awarded to Maria Cornelia van den Meijen (fl. 1796) of the fifth edition of this Dutch catechism of nature for children, all are rare. The text applies a catechistic mode, with typical question and answer format, to topics such as the universe, stars, elements, animals, plants, and minerals. The text is illustrated with an engraved throw-out plate including a depiction of the movement of the earth around the sun. 

Details

One volume, 16.3 x 10 cms in binding, octavo, pp. [5] 6-88, with one throw-out plate measuring 15.8 x 18 cms (14.5 x 8 cms inside platemarks). Printed prize certificate bound at front and filled in by hand for Maria Cornelia van den Meijen (Middelburg, 29 November 1796). Three large crosses drawn in contemporary(?) pencil in the lower margin of p. 73. Modern bookseller’s pencil note to rear endpaper. Bound in vellum over boards stamped with the arms of Middelburg, green textile ties. Condition (textblock): light browning and staining, plate creased. Condition (binding): some soiling and staining, gold fading, ties fraying slightly. 

STCN 297559923. Outside the Netherlands, OCLC shows just one copy of this edition (Berkeley) and no copies of any prior edition.