A Journey to the World Under-Ground

London: T. Astley and B. Collins. 1942. First English Edition; First Printing. Hardcover. English edition published in London: T. Astley and B. Collins, 1742. 12mo. 6.5 x 4 inches (165 x 104 mm) , 324 pages. The english edition has no plates while the first latin edition in 1941 had frontispiece with 3 plates. Contemporary calf with gilt double rule, rebacked, paper spine label with ink title. Corners bumped and rubbed with minor losses of leather, boards heavily subbed and scuffed, light staining to lower board, lower board creased, hinges loosely repaired. Text block edges soiled with light staining, edges toned, bookplate of Elwyn B. Gould to front pastedown, ownership inscription to title and first page of text, off-setting from turn-ins to endpapers, scattered staining throughout, mainly along edges, first two leaves and final leaf reattached, title cut during rebinding not affecting text. Anatomy of Wonder, 2004. "A satirical fantastic voyage first published in latin, the first to make use of the hollow earth as a setting." Translation by Ludvig Holberg an important danish poet, novelist, dramatist ad more. Considered a one-man literary renaissance who founded Danish literature, his translation of this title was considered of international importance. Provenance: Ex-Libris of Elwyn B. Gould, likely from The Gould Family well know American family, predominantly known for period where they resided in San Diego as pioneers in business, recreation and community, starting when Elwyn moved there from Chicago. Original owner inscription dated 1748 on the title page, and lastly from the famous Gary Munson collection. Bleiler (1990) 1114, Anatomy of Wonder 2004, II-536; 16mo 6" - 7" tall .