Lot 67
BERGERAC, Cyrano de. Selenarchia. Or, the Government of the World in the Moon: A Comical History. 1659. FIRST ENGLISH EDITION.
Sale 1336 - Fine Books and Manuscripts, including Worlds of Tomorrow, and Americana
Jun 7, 2024
9:00AM CT
Live / Chicago
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Estimate
$4,500 -
5,500
Price Realized
$5,398
Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium
Lot Description
BERGERAC, Cyrano de (1619-1655). Selenarchia. Or, the Government of the World in the Moon: A Comical History. Thomas St. Serf, translator. London: J. Cottrel for Hum. Robinson, 1659.
8vo. Engraved frontispiece. (Lacking initial blank, worming along bottom edge and outer margin to title-page, frontispiece and several with paper repairs occasionally affecting letters.) Later half calf, marbled sides. Provenance: John Gurnor (early ownership inscription); Gary Munson (his sale, Heritage Auctions, 2 February 2023, lot 70014).
FIRST ENGLISH EDITION of this astronomical fantasy novel and precursor to the science-fiction genre that envisions a journey to the moon and describing its inhabitants and society. Several of these fantasy societies were to influence Jonathan Swift fifty years later. ESTC R18714.
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