Le conte du tonneau, contenant tout ce que les arts et les sciences ont de plus sublime et de plus mystérieux

New edition, the first having appeared in 1721, it contained only 6 figures against 8 on strong paper in this edition. The third volume which was added to the Tale of a Tub and which contains various treatises (The Art of Political Lying, A Discourse on the Contests and Dissensions) was added later, around 1750. Certain very curious plates in this collection are highly appreciated, notably that of the famous battle of the books. The translation is by Van Effen. Title pages in red and black.
Contemporary half sheep binding with marbled sides. Smooth spine decorated with 4 fleurons, gilt roll at head and foot. Tan morocco title label, black wax volume label. Corners slightly bumped. Volume labels of volumes I and II rubbed. Good copy.
A Tale of a Tub, as well as the other treatises are satirical writings, of which the author had made something of a specialty. A Tale of a Tub deals in particular with dissensions among Christians, this writing would moreover prevent Swift from accessing the bishopric of the cathedral of which he was dean. All of these satirical pamphlets are above all writings from the beginning of Swift's literary career, it was only 20 years later that he would compose Gulliver's Travels. The free, humorous, offbeat, bombastic and irreverent style which characterizes them has become over time one of the surest marks of the English spirit.