[Fabre, Gaston]; [Cunge, Henri]
Five Original Vintage Photographs of King Béhanzin
[Martinique]: 1898
- $6,184
Original vintage photographs. A collection of five original photographs of King Béhanzin in exile on Martinique. King Béhanzin (also known as Béhanzin Hossu Bowell, Kondo, Ahokponou Nyakaja Honsinyenli; 1844 or 1845 - 1906) was the eleventh ruler of the Kingdom of Dahomey, present-day Benin, West Africa. He ascended to the throne in 1889 following his father, King Glèlè. Renowned for his staunch resistance against French colonial expansion in the late 19th century, Béhanzin was a pivotal figure in the Franco-Dahomean War of 1890-1894, earning the nickname "the Shark of Dahomey" due to his military prowess and strategic acumen. Despite his valiant efforts, Béhanzin was captured in 1894, marking the end of Dahomey's independence, and the king was subsequently exiled to Martinique and later Algeria by the French. Béhanzin arrived in Fort-de-France on March 30, 1894, accompanied by his wives, children, and ministers, and settled in Fort Tartenson. By 1898, they had relocated to a nearby villa, now known as Villa Les Bosquets. Although not imprisoned, his movements were monitored. He struggled with the climate, maintained his native diet, avoided speaking French, smoked pipe tobacco, drank alcohol, and preferred traditional sleeping habits on mats. Despite persistent requests to return to Dahomey, he remained in exile. After 12 years in Martinique, in 1906, Béhanzin and his enlarged family left for Algiers, settling in Blida. His health deteriorated, and he died on December 10, 1906, without ever returning to Dahomey. Béhanzin's enduring legacy is marked by his fierce resistance against colonialism and his unwavering commitment to his kingdom's sovereignty, making him a symbol of African anti-colonial resistance. 1. Béhanzin, sa famille, ses ministres. Original vintage photograph by Gaston Fabre, circa 1894. Titled on verso by a contemporary hand in ink. Size: approximately 285 × 222 mm. This relatively famous group photo features Béhanzin with his family and ministers at Fort Tartenson. Béhanzin arrived in Martinique with four of his wives (Etiomi, Sénocom, Ménousoué, and Dononcoué), four children (daughters Abopanou, Kpotassi, Mécougnon, and son Ouanilo), a secretary (Adandédjan), and an interpreter (Pierre Fanou) with his wife (Falégué). The photograph is chipped, with closed tears, creases at the edges, and is somewhat faded. 2. Untitled [Portrait of Béhanzin Sitting with Pipe]. Original, vintage photograph, erroneously attributed to J. Vitou but more likely taken by Gaston Fabre around 1894. Size: approximately 120 × 175 mm. This lesser-known portrait was reproduced in 1896 in Schelameur's Souvenirs de la Campagne du Dahomey. It features Béhanzin with his famous long smoking pipe, a royal artifact since the 17th century. Later handwritten notes of personal memories on the verso detail a visit to Béhanzin around 1900 by the former owner of the portrait as a child with his parents; it describes the visit and lists the names of Béhanzin's three daughters and a son. Béhanzin is dressed identically, and the shadow of the pipe falls in the same way as in the previous picture, suggesting it was taken at the same time by the same photographer. The photograph is chipped, with closed tears at the edges and joined with old tape. The upper right corner is missing. 3. Béhanzin, ex-roi du Dahomey et ses deux Femmes. Picture postcard, likely published by Cunge. Photograph by Henri Cunge, circa 1898. Size: approximately 90 × 140 mm. This image depicts King Béhanzin smoking a pipe, flanked by two of his wives, one holding a spittoon or other tobacco-related accessories (left) and the other an umbrella (right). The photograph was presumably taken at the Villa des Bosquets (Béhanzin's second residence in Martinique after Fort Tartenson). It is in very good condition, held in an album with very light traces of photo corners. 4. Béhanzin et ses Femmes: Original photograph, stamped by Henri Cunge on the verso, circa 1898. Size: approximately 120 × 180 mm. Title written in pencil on the verso by a contemporary hand. This is the same image as the previous one, but in a larger format. The photograph is in fine condition. 5. Untitled [Béhanzin with His Wives]: Original, vintage photograph, circa 1898. Size: approximately 216 × 166 mm. This photo depicts Béhanzin smoking a pipe, seated on a bench under a dark parasol, with two of his wives sitting below him on the veranda steps at Villa des Bosquets. The photograph is slightly faded and mounted on cardboard. There is a small loss to the cardboard at the upper edge, but otherwise, it is in very good condition. Literature: Pierre-Louis, J. (2019, December 27). Béhanzin, King of Dahomey: 12 Years of Forced Exile in Martinique #1/2 From Abomey to Fort Tartenson. Tan Listwa. Pierre-Louis, J. (2020, June 24). Behanzin, King of Dahomey: 12 years of forced exile in Martinique #2/2 From Villa Les Bosquets to Blida. Tan Listwa. Sohier E., «Polyphonie d'une photographie coloniale. Portrait de Béhanzin, «Ancien roi du Dahomey»», RevueAlarmer, mis en ligne le 27 mai 2022, . In various formats and condition (details below).
More from Földvári Books
L’Apologie ou la Défense des Paniers
First edition. Unbound as published. 8 p. A scarce 1727 pamphlet defending the controversial hoop skirt fashion; a bold assertion of feminine autonomy. "L'Apologie ou la Défense des Paniers" is a rare and significant pamphlet that addresses the controversial fashion trend of "paniers"-hoop skirts-prevalent among women in early 18th-century France. This 8-page document, serves as a staunch defense of the panier, a fashion item that had become both popular and contentious by the late 1720s. The text is structured as a rebuttal to the numerous criticisms and satirical attacks directed at women who embraced this fashion. The author draws comparisons between male and female dress, pointing out the absurdity of condemning women's attire while ignoring the eccentricities of men's fashion of the time. The pamphlet argues that the paniers are no more ridiculous or impractical than the heavily ornamented coats and trousers worn by men, which are also described as cumbersome and peculiar. In its broader cultural context, "L'Apologie" reflects the intersection of fashion, gender, and societal norms. The text defends the right of women to choose their fashion without being subjected to moral or aesthetic judgments by male commentators. The panier had become associated with theater and public spectacle, particularly through its adoption by actresses and dancers, which further fueled its controversial reputation. The pamphlet also touches on the influence of the clergy, which had begun to criticize the panier as a symbol of moral decay. Despite such opposition, "L'Apologie" positions the panier as a legitimate and even necessary part of women's dress, embodying a broader defense of feminine expression and autonomy in the face of societal pressures. This rare edition offers insight into the early 18th-century debates on fashion and gender, providing a unique glimpse into the social dynamics of the time. It is an important document for understanding the cultural history of fashion and the resistance against the rigid norms imposed on women during this period. Literature: Letourmy-Bordier Georgina. Parure et critique sociale : à propos de feuilles en éventail de la première moitié du XVIIIe siècle. In: Histoire de l'art, No 48, 2001. Parure, costume et vêtement. pp. 53-65.; Crowston, Clare Haru. Fabricating Women: The Seamstresses of Old Regime France, 1675-1791. Duke University Press, 2001. . Loose, likely removed from a larger volume. Dated on the title page by a contemporary hand (5 7-bre 1727). Paginated by the same hand at the upper outer corners. Trace of creases at the corners, tanned paper. Overall in very good condition. Dissertation sur les effets d’un Poison de Java, appelé Upas tieuté, et sur Noix Vomique, la Fève de St.-Ignace, le Strychnos potatorum, et la Pomme de Vontac, qui sont du même genre de plantes que l’Upas tieuté; [.]
First edition. In later hard paper, title vignette on spine. 48 p. Early 19th century toxicological and botanical study of Java and Southeast Asian plants. This work by Alire Raffeneau-Delile examines various poisonous plants from Java and other regions. The focus is on the Upas tieuté (Antiaris) and other species of the Strychnos genus, such as nux vomica, Strychnos ignatii, and clearing-nut tree. Raffeneau Delile contributed to botany and medicine through his studies of exotic flora. The dissertation discusses the toxicological effects, botanical characteristics, and potential medicinal uses of these plants, reflecting the period's interest in both the dangers and therapeutic potential of natural substances. Alire Raffeneau Delile (1778-1850), was a French botanist and physician, who made significant contributions to the study of exotic plants, particularly through his participation in Napoleon's Egyptian campaign, where he collected and documented numerous plant species, adding valuable knowledge to European botany. Following his return to France, Raffeneau Delile held academic positions at the University of Montpellier and the University of Paris, where he continued his research and teaching in botany. He also held the title of Doctor of Medicine from the Faculty of New York. His work remains influential in botany and pharmacology, particularly his studies on the medicinal and toxic properties of plants from various parts of the world. This dissertation, printed by Didot Jeune, provides valuable insights into early 19th-century toxicology and the medicinal applications of plants, marking an important contribution to the scientific literature of the time. The book is notably scarce on the market, with no recorded sales in the past 100 years according to Rare Book Hub (RBH). . Pages tanned here and there, few light stains. Overall in fine condition. In later hard paper, title vignette on spine [Breve compendio de la sphera y de la arte de navegar] Tratado de la Esfera, Arte de Navegar y otras curiosidades correspondientes que escribió Martín Cortés, Año de 1545
Illustrated with tables and charts. Manuscript on paper. Written in ink by a neat hand. In contemporary vellum, title inked on spine. ff. 88 [3]. A manuscript copy of Martín Cortés' Breve compendio de la sphera y de la arte de navegar (1551), with significant early Americana relevance, a treatise which revolutionized the science of navigation. Breve compendio provides some of the earliest reliable information on the navigation of American waters, detailing discoveries in regions such as Peru, the Straits of Magellan, Brazil, Rio de la Plata, the Canary Islands, and the Indies. Written by Martín Cortés (1510-1582), one of the most renowned cosmographers of the golden age of Spanish exploration. Cortés was born in Bujaraloz, Zaragoza, Aragon, and raised by a family of sailors and navigators. This upbringing likely contributed to his interest and success in his career. Starting in 1530, he taught cosmography and navigation to pilots in Cádiz and worked alongside the Spanish Navy, sharing his knowledge with ship captains. The book, considered the first scientific navigation treatise of its time, is a practical guide comprising three main parts: cosmography in relation to navigation, the movements of the Sun and Moon, and the construction and use of navigation instruments. Cortés' understanding of the magnetic pole led to the development of the theory of magnetic meridians, significantly influencing the creation of geographical charts. His work was crucial for explorers to determine their location when out of sight of land, revolutionizing navigation science by first identifying the needle's deflection and influencing map-making practices. Originally published in Seville in 1551, with a second edition in 1556, this treatise is exceedingly rare in all early editions and conditions, as it was even at the time when our manuscript was copied. Because of the losses of the master copy, whose pages were unstitched, three pages of the preliminary texts (Carta; Prologo) were left blank, with the hope that the lost lines would eventually be recovered. The text is otherwise identical (except for spelling) to the original version, claims the copyist in his prologue on the first page of the manuscript. The missing texts are the title page of "Carta" and the first ten lines of its verso (fo. ii.); the last 11 lines of the title page of "Prologo" (fo. vi. verso), fo. vii, and the first two and a half lines on fo. vii. verso. Due to the locations of the missing lines, we surmise that the manuscript was not copied from a printed version but rather from another handwritten copy. For some reason, the last few lines of the second chapter of the third part are omitted (fo. lxviii.; MS f. 65.), but otherwise, we couldn't find any major deviations from the original text. The manuscript comprises the copyist's prologue "Tratado de la Esfera [.]", the "Carta", the "Prologo", the three chapters of the treatise, an index ("Los nombres de los autores [.]"), and the table of contents ("Tabla de los Capitulos", which is located after the prologue in the printed version). The other index of subjects ("Tabla de la presente obra [.]") is also omitted from our copy. The manuscript is illustrated with tables and charts; however, the diagrams and maps are not included, only their places in the text are indicated in most cases. A few corrections and marginal notes are added to the text, seemingly by the copyist's hand. The one on f. 35v contains references to the years 1630 and 1631, which, besides the calligraphy, helped to date our copy. We could not trace any other manuscript copies, underscoring the rarity and unique historical value of this document. . With a few contemporary notes and corrections. Later collection stamp on the first page. A brown stain to the upper corner, affecting the second half of the book. Occasional foxing. The text block is loose, almost detached from the binding. Otherwise in very good condition. In contemporary vellum, title inked on sp [The Route of My North American Journey.] Észak-Amerikai útam vonala, természeti, etnográfiai és kulturális viszonyok. Két elÅ’adás. Tartatott a Természettudományi Társulat estélyén 1882 decz. 1. és 15. Három ábrával. (Népszerű természettudományi elÅ’adások gyűjteménye. VI. kötet. 41. füzet.)
First edition. In publisher's printed wrappers. 144 p. A scarce Hungarian travelogue documenting a late 19th-century journey across North America, focusing on the region's natural landscapes, cultural diversity, and scientific observations. "Észak-Amerikai útam vonala" by Dr. Szabó József is a travel account detailing his journey across North America in 1882. Published in 1883 as part of the "Népszerű Természettudományi ElÅ'adások Gyűjteménye" (Collection of Popular Scientific Lectures) series, it is based on two lectures delivered at the Természettudományi Társulat's (Hungarian Society of Natural Sciences) event in December 1882. The book provides a rich narrative of his experiences, with a focus on the natural environment, ethnographic observations, and cultural aspects of the United States and Canada. Dr. Szabó offers detailed descriptions of cities like New York, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Washington, Salt Lake City, Denver, Chicago, and Montreal, along with significant landmarks and scientific institutions. His observations extend to the diverse landscapes and the cultural dynamics of the regions he visited. The book also includes insights from scientific gatherings, giving readers a perspective on North American society during that period. Illustrated with three diagrams, the text serves as both a travelogue and a historical document, reflecting the author's deep interest in natural sciences and cultural studies. Dr. József Szabó (1822-1894) was a prominent Hungarian geologist and university professor known for his pioneering work in geology and petrography, particularly in the study of volcanic formations in Hungary. A member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szabó was also an avid traveler, conducting research across Europe, Africa, and North America. His extensive travels deeply influenced his scientific work, and his contributions laid the foundation for modern Hungarian geology. . Unopened. Old collection stamps on the front cover and on the title page. Spine restored. Closed tear on rear panel. Overall in very good condition. In publisher's printed wrappers Dictionarium malaico-latinum & latino-malaicum cum aliis quanplurimis quae pagina edocbit. OPera &studio Davidis Heax
First edition. [8] 72 75 [ie. 77; nos. 71-72 repeated; 45 misnumbered as 54] [3] p. The first Malay-Latin, Latin-Malay dictionary, an important tool for the missionaries in the Malay peninsula. The "Dictionarium Malaico-Latinum et Latino-Malaicum," published in 1631 by Father David Haex, is a landmark in linguistic history as the first Latin-Malaysian dictionary. This pivotal work was instrumental for missionaries working in the Malay peninsula, aiding in both communication and the spread of Christianity. During the 15th century, Chinese traders established themselves in Malacca, followed by the Portuguese who conquered the region in 1511. The Dutch began their conquest of the Malay Archipelago at the end of the 16th century, eventually ousting the Portuguese from Malacca in 1641. The 17th century saw the English asserting their influence in the region. Each of these groups-Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, and English-had varying objectives from trade to religious propagation, necessitating effective communication with the indigenous Malay peoples. The Malay language, serving as the lingua franca of the Archipelago, became essential for these interactions, leading to the creation of word-lists and dictionaries. (Linehan 1949) In his dedication to Cardinal Francisco Barberini, Haex elaborates on his method of compilation, revealing that his work is a Latin adaptation of the Dutch vocabulary by Wiltens and Danckaerts (Vocabularium, ofte woort-boeck naer ordre vanden alphabet in 't Duytsch-Maleysch, ende Maleysch-Duytsch [.], 1623). Haex (also Haecx; 1595?-1656), a Dominican friar born in Antwerp, praises the Dutch for their linguistic endeavors, which, though initially serving their own purposes, facilitated the spread of Catholicism by providing a foundation that he converted into Latin. This dictionary was published by the Propaganda Fide, the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith, established by Pope Gregory XV in 1622. The Congregation set up its own printing office in Rome in 1626, and this book is one of its earliest publications and the only one in the Malay language. The Propaganda Fide played a crucial role in coordinating missionary activities and disseminating religious texts worldwide, making Haex's work an essential tool for missionary efforts in the Malay peninsula. (Henkel 1971; Amaduzzi 1773) The dictionary is comprehensive, including Malay-Latin and Latin-Malay translations, and Portuguese-Malay expressions used in regions like Anboyna, Banda, Java, and the Moluccas. It also features idioms, phrases, and some grammatical observations, providing examples of prefix usage. (Linehan 1949) The book is scarce on the market, with the last copy recorded by RBH in 1985 (Rulon-Miller). Streit, Bibliotheca Missionum V, p. 222 Literature: Amaduzzi, G. C. (1773). Catalogus librorum qui ex typographio Sacrae Congreg de Propaganda Fide [.]. Rome, Ex eodem Typographio.; Henkel, W. (1971) The Polyglot Printing-office of the Congregation. The Press Apostolate as an Important Means for Communicating the Faith. In: Sacrae Congregationis de Propaganda Fide memoria rerum: 350 anni a servizio delle missioni 1622-1972, vol. I/1, 1622-1700. Rom-Freiburg-Wien: Herder, 335-350.; Linehan, W. (1949). The Earliest Word-lists and Dictionaries of the Malay Language. Journal of the Malayan Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society, 22(1 (147)), 183-187. . Unopened, untrimmed copy. In later plain paper. Collection number inked on title page. Light foxing throughout. Overall in very good condition. [Manuscript-Americana.] [Recusal of Bartolomé Gutiérrez de Villanuño, Durango, Nueva Vizcaya, 1636.]
Manuscript in Spanish. Folio, 2 leaves, written on 3 sides. 17th-Century Americana: Spanish Legal Manuscript on the recusal of the notary of Durango, in Nueva Vizcaya. This legal manuscript originates from 1636 in the city of Durango, part of Nueva Vizcaya in colonial Mexico. It concerns a legal petition presented by Ambrosio Espinosa de Porres, who held the positions of factor and overseer of the Royal Treasury (Real Caja de Hacienda). In the petition, Espinosa de Porres requested the recusation (disqualification) of Bartolomé Gutiérrez de Villanuño, a public notary in Durango, from participating in any of his legal cases. The petition was motivated by the personal enmity and suspicion Espinosa de Porres held against Villanuño, describing him as a "declared and capital enemy and as odious and suspicious" ("enemigo capital declarado y por odioso y sospechoso"). Bartolomé Gutiérrez de Villanuño was a notable figure in Durango, continuing to be active in legal and administrative roles well beyond the date of this document. In 1644, he was involved in a criminal complaint related to injustices he faced during his tenure as a public notary. (Ulloa Ortiz 1955) He also played a role in the tumultuous political and social events in Durango, being implicated in various controversies and legal disputes. (Mendoza Flores 2018) Additionally, in 1643, Villanuño issued a certification detailing the debts and annuities held by a college in Durango, further exemplifying his ongoing involvement in legal and financial matters in the region. (Zambrano 1965) Ambrosio Espinosa de Porres, as factor and overseer of the Royal Treasury, played a crucial role in managing the financial affairs of Nueva Vizcaya. His responsibilities included overseeing royal finances and ensuring the proper collection and management of revenues. His involvement in this legal petition reflects the broader context of colonial governance, where personal conflicts often intersected with official duties. The document is signed by lawyer Gabriel de Egurrola, a judge of appeals for Nueva Vizcaya, who formerly served as alcalde mayor and war captain of the province, as well as by Governor Francisco de Avendaño. This manuscript is a significant example of the legal and social tensions present in colonial Mexico, particularly in remote regions like Nueva Vizcaya, where local officials often found themselves embroiled in personal and political conflicts. The manuscript offers insights into the workings of colonial justice and administration, highlighting the precarious position of officials like Villanuño, who navigated complex networks of loyalty, enmity, and power. Literature: Mendoza Flores, H. (2018). «Por el imperio de mi crédito»: percepciones sobre lo debido y lo indebido en el ejercicio de la gubernatura a través del juicio de residencia de Luis de Valdés (Nueva Vizcaya, 1650). Memoria Y Civilización, 21, 111-140. 3; Ulloa Ortiz, B. (1955) Catálogo N 5 de los Fondos del Centro de Documentación del Museo Nacional de Historia. Castillo de Chapultepec. In: Anales del Museo Nacional de México. Tomo VI, 2a Parte. México: Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia Secretaria de Educación Pública. pp. 135-171. (no. 95-99.); Zambrano, F. (1965). Diccionario bio-bibliográfico de la Compañía de Jesús en México (Vol. 5). México: Editorial Jus. p. 334; . Folded. Small holes at the folds. Chipped and dented edges. Tanned and discolored, but none of these affect the legibility. Overall in very good condition. Manuscript in Spanish. Folio, 2 leaves, written on 3 sides. [Relacion de lo que se inventario en quinze de septiembre de mil quinientos y ochenta nueve por el veedor contador Martin Arano de Balencegui. Por orden del capitán general D. Hernando (H)urtado de Mendoça en la Urca nombrada que esta en el Puerto del Pasaje (Puerto del Pasaje de San Sebastián), enviada por Juan de Ezquibel que la tomo con las dos zabras de S.M. en la Isla de Ugente (Ouessant/Ushant)]. Relasáon. de lo que se ynbentario en quinze de setiembre. de millquinientos y ochenta y nueve Por el beedor. y contador. mnarano de balencegui Por orden del capp.an General Don Hernando Urtado Demendoca. en la Urca nombrada que esta en el Puerto del Pasaje, ynbiada. Por Juan Dezquibel. que Latomo. con las dos zabras Desumag en Laysla de Ugent
Manuscript in Spanish. Written on 3 pages. Signed by Martin Arano de Balencegui. 1 bifolio. Inventory of a captured urca, supposedly one of the English Armada. This 16th-century manuscript, titled "List of what was inventoried on September fifteenth, one thousand five hundred and eighty-nine by the accountant supervisor Martin Arano de Balencegui. By order of Captain General D. Hernando Hurtado de Mendoça in the named urca that is in the port of Pasaje, sent by Juan de Ezquibel who took it with the two zabras of H.M. on the island of Ushant," details an inventory conducted on September 15, 1589, by Martín Arano de Balencegui, under the orders of General Captain Hernando Hurtado de Mendoça (or Fernando Hurtado de Mendoza; 1556-1629). The document pertains to a 200-ton urca or galleon stationed at Puerto del Pasaje, which was captured near Ushant by Juan de Ezquibel. Ezquibel is likely the same person who later became an admiral and the first governor of Maluku (Moluccas) in 1606. The manuscript comprises two sheets, written on three sides, and is signed at the end by Martín Arano de Balencegui, who was a supplier to the Navy, inspector, and accountant for the King's war personnel in the province of Guipúzcoa. The inventory is divided into two sections. The first provides a detailed list of the ship's structural components, masts, rigging, and various pieces of equipment. The second section enumerates the artillery and supplies, including a cast iron cannon weighing about 700 pounds, four stone-throwers (pedreros), a significant quantity of salt, anchors, cables, and other maritime equipment. Given the date of the manuscript, the listed military equipment, the historical context, and the mentioned locations, it is strongly surmised that the captured ship was part of the Counter Armada. The Counter Armada, also known as the Drake-Norris Expedition, was an English naval campaign led by Sir Francis Drake and Sir John Norris in 1589. After failing to capture Lisbon in June 1589, the English fleet faced significant challenges during their return journey. By late June and early July, several ships were lost or captured due to storms and Spanish attacks along the northern coast of Spain and France. This manuscript is especially significant and rare, as documents detailing the Counter Armada are exceedingly scarce, particularly those concerning the fleet's return journey. . Folded once. Chipped at the edges, small holes at folding. Overall in very good condition. Manuscript in Spanish. Written on 3 pages. Signed by Martin Arano de Balencegui. Nic. Smyrnaei Artebasdae Graeci Mathematici ÎÎΦΡΒΣÎC Numerorum Notationis per gestum digitorum. Graeca nunc primum prodeunt è Bibliotheca Reg. Vaticana, & Illustriss. Lelii Ruini Legati Apostolici ad Reg. Poloniae. Item Venerab. Bedae de Indigitatione & manuali loquela Lib. Fed. Morellus Interpres Reg. recensuit, Attica Latinè vertit, & Elogio Manus, Notulisq; illustrauit
First edition. In later vellum, using old book binding materials. [2] 3-7 [1]; 8; 8 p. Coll.: A4 A4 a4. Scarce first edition of Rhabdas' work on finger reckoning, together with Bede's text on the same subject. Nicolaus Rhabdas' work on the notation of numbers through finger gestures represents an important contribution to the mathematical knowledge of his era. This volume, the first printed edition of his work, presents the original Greek text alongside a Latin translation by the printer and publisher Fédéric Morel (Federicus Morellus; c. 1523-1583), a renowned humanist scholar based in Paris during the Renaissance. In addition to Rhabdas' treatise, the volume includes a summarized version of Bede the Venerable's work, De computo, vel loquela per gestum digitorum, which addresses the same subject. The book is divided into three sections. The first section, titled "[.] Artabasdae [.] ÎÎΦΡÎ'ΣÎC numerorum notationis [.] Bedae de Indigitatione & manuali loquela Lib. [.]", contains preliminary texts by Fédéric Morel, including a dedication to Lelio Ruini, a distinguished book collector and Apostolic Nuncio to Poland. The second section features Rhabdas' Expositio notationis numerorum digitalis, presented in its original Greek with Morel's accompanying Latin translation. The final section includes Bede's Liber de loquela per gestum digitorum, which provides a condensed overview of the first part of Bede's treatise. Both Rhabdas' and Bede's works explore the practice of representing numbers through finger positions. Often referred to as finger reckoning, this technique primarily served as a mnemonic tool for remembering numbers. It was also used in markets and fairs where traders lacked a common language. Nicolaus Rhabdas (Artabasda or Nicolaus of Smyrna), originally from Smyrna and active in Constantinople between 1320 and 1340, was among the last Greek mathematicians to write in his native language before Greek mathematical texts were revisited in their original form during the Renaissance. He was recognized for his expertise in arithmetic and geometry, though only three of his mathematical works are known to have survived. Rare on the market, RBH has documented the sale of only one copy in the past sixty years. Ref.: Erwin Tomash Library A 104;USTC 6001670 LIterature: Manolova, D., Acerbi, F., & Pérez Martín, I. (2019). The Source of Nicholas Rhabdas' Letter to Khatzykes: An Anonymous Arithmetical Treatise in Vat. Barb. gr. 4. Jahrbuch der Österreichischen Byzantinistik, 68(2018), 1-37. . First title page restored at the gutter, not affecting the text. A tiny wormhole at the lower outer edge on the first three leaves. Contemporary ink numerals on first and last title pages. Brown spottings here and there. Overall in very good condition. In later vellum, using old book binding materials Autograph Letter Signed. Beaufort-en-Vallée, September 6 [1532]. Addressed to the Bishop of Auxerre, François II de Dinteville, ambassador to the Pope
Autograph letter. Signed. Address panel, docketing and seal remnants on the verso. 1 folio, written on one side. Scarce autograph letter by Cardinal Jean du Bellay to François II de Dinteville, discussing church matters and the expedition of the bishopric of Paris. In this letter, Cardinal Jean du Bellay (1498?-1560), then newly appointed Bishop of Paris (1532-1551), communicates with François II de Dinteville, Bishop of Auxerre and ambassador to the Papal court. Du Bellay refrains from discussing personal matters, adhering to Dinteville's previous counsel that one should not mix personal and others' affairs in correspondence. Instead, he focuses on the expedition of the bishopric of Paris and the abbey of Saint-Mor, urging Dinteville to expedite the necessary proceedings. He also refers to documents related to the abbey of Aumale (Saint-Martin-d'Auchy). Cardinal Jean du Bellay was a significant figure in 16th-century France, known for his ecclesiastical roles and as a patron of the arts and literature. As Bishop of Paris, he played an important part in the religious and cultural life of the period. Du Bellay was a close associate of King Francis I and maintained an extensive network of correspondents, which included prominent figures like François Rabelais, whom he employed likely as a physician. François II de Dinteville, his correspondent, was also a prominent figure, serving as the French ambassador to the Pope. Their relationship was marked by mutual respect and collaboration, with Dinteville often acting as an intermediary in ecclesiastical and diplomatic matters for Du Bellay. Their correspondence reveals the complexity of church politics and the diplomatic nuances of the time. This letter is quoted in Correspondance du Cardinal Jean du Bellay, Volume 1, No. 138, by Scheurer. Du Bellay's letters are important historical documents that offer valuable insights into the relationships between church and state during the Renaissance. They provide a glimpse into the political and religious strategies of the time, as well as the personal connections that influenced broader developments in 16th-century France. In addition, we include an autograph letter by Scheurer, one of the editors of the Correspondance du Cardinal Jean du Bellay, dated 1983, addressed to the owner of the manuscript, discussing the publication (likely referring to another letter). There is also a signed letter by Loris Petris, another editor of the Correspondance, dated 2006, on the same topic. Notably, this manuscript is exceedingly rare; there is no record of any autographs by Cardinal Jean du Bellay appearing in RBH over the past 100 years. Scheurer, Correspondance du Cardinal Jean du Bellay, Volume 1, No. 138. . Traces of folding. Small hole to the lower left margin. Closed cuts to both side edges. Somewhat tanned. Otherwise in fine condition. Autograph letter. Signed. Address panel, docketing and seal remnants on the verso. Congrès des Economistes réuni a Bruxelles par les soins de l’Association belge pour la liberté commerciale. Session de 1847. – Séances des 16, 17 et 18 septembre
First edition. In later wrappers. [5] 2-211 [1] p. Rare printed proceedings of the first international congress of economists in Brussels, featuring Karl Marx's attendance and his early engagement in public economic debates. This volume documents the proceedings of the first-ever international conference of economists, held in Brussels from September 16 to 18, 1847, under the auspices of the Association belge pour la Liberté commerciale. Directed by Charles Joseph Marie Ghislain de Brouckere, the conference was a landmark event, gathering leading economists, lawyers, and businessmen to debate issues of free trade and economic policy. A significant aspect of this congress is the participation of Karl Marx, whose presence is recorded on the official list of participants ("Marx, homme de lettres et économiste à Bruxelles" p. 7.). At the time, Marx was living in Brussels, and his involvement in the congress marked a crucial moment in his engagement with economic theory and the broader socialist movement. Although Marx was prevented from speaking, his attendance, along with other members of the Communist League, such as Friedrich Engels, was notable for their intent to challenge bourgeois economics and advocate for working-class interests. The congress became a site of contention between the bourgeois majority and the Communist group, particularly after Georg Weerth's speech, which sharply criticized the benefits of free trade as espoused by the free traders. Engels later provided a detailed report of these events in the Deutsche-Brüsseler-Zeitung, highlighting the tensions and the exclusion of Marx's voice from the official proceedings. This book is a rare primary source for the study of 19th-century economic thought and a crucial document for understanding the early public activities of Karl Marx, just months before the publication of the Communist Manifesto. It offers invaluable insights into the ideological battles that shaped modern economic and political thought. . Paper tanned, occasional foxing. Otherwise in fine condition. 1939. évi Országos Törvénytár: 1939. évi IV. törvénycikk. A zsidók gazdasági és közéleti térfoglalásáról. (National Law Gazette of 1939: article IV of the Law, The economic and public space occupied by Jews) The original, printed text of the so-called Second Jewish Law
First edition. Published without binding. 91-102 p. Decree No. IV of 1939 (on the restriction of the occupation of public and economic space by Jews) already defined who was a Jew primarily in racial terms. A Jew was considered to be a Jew if he or she, at least one of his or her parents or at least two of his or her grandparents were members of the Israelite denomination at the time of the entry into force of the law or before. The law capped the proportion of Jews in the clerical professions at 6% and prohibited the employment of Jews in state administrative and judicial bodies and in secondary schools. No Jew was allowed to hold a position in the theatre or media that influenced the intellectual direction of the theatre/media. Jews were completely excluded from the licensed industrial and commercial sectors. Some water stains. Small tears.- $618
- $618
L’experdition Militaire de la grande Catherine Persane de 1796 (The military expedition of Catherine Great to Persia 1796)
21 folio pages written in brown ink, with corrections and crossings out. Draft of a memoir written in French by a secretary of the Austrian embassy (in Paris?) narrating the circumstances of the short armed conflict that took place in the Caucasus during the year 1796, mainly in Georgia, between the Russia of Empress Catherine II and the new Shah of Persia Agha Mohammad Khan. Provenance: collection of General Martin de Vignolle (1783-1824).- $7,420
- $7,420
Szép uj világ. Forditotta: Szinnai Tivadar. [Brave New World. Translated By Tivadar Szinnai.]
Huxley, Aldous Early Hungarian edition. In publisher's cloth. With the rare jacket. 256 p. Scarce Hungarian edition of Aldous Huxley's (1894-1963) novel, the "Brave New World", which was originally published in 1932. Cover chipped, little bit damaged. Inside fine condition. In publisher's cloth. With the rare jacket- $618
- $618
Apuntes sobre la gerencia del Consulado de España en Nueva York durante los años de 1869 y 1870, por el cónsul general en comisión, Don Balbino Cortés y Morales
Cortés y Morales, Balbino Manuscript in Spanish. Written by a neat hand. Signed and dated by the author on p. 304. In contemporary green half morocco. Spine tooled, raised bands, gilt title. [12] 1-304 [2] 305 [1] p. An unpublished journal of the Spanish Consul General in New York during the early years of the Ten Years' War, providing a detailed account of Spanish diplomatic efforts and interactions with the United States and Cuba. The Ten Years' War (1868-1878) marked the first significant conflict in Cuba's struggle for independence from Spanish colonial rule. The war began on October 10, 1868, when Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, a prominent planter, declared Cuba's independence, sparking a rebellion fueled by Cuban landowners, slaves, and free blacks. The insurgents sought to end Spanish dominance, implement economic reforms, and abolish slavery. During this period, the United States had a complex relationship with Cuba. While many Americans sympathized with the Cuban rebels and offered material support, the US government maintained a policy of neutrality. This stance was driven by diplomatic and economic considerations, particularly the desire to maintain stable relations with Spain. The US government was also cautious about the potential repercussions of an independent Cuba on regional power dynamics and the institution of slavery. In this context, Balbino Cortés y Morales played a crucial role as the "cónsul general de España en comisión en New-York" during 1869-1870. Born in 1834 in Madrid, Cortés y Morales embarked on a distinguished diplomatic career that included various significant postings. Before his appointment in New York, he served as the Consul General in Algiers, where he was noted for his administrative acumen and dedication. His manuscript report and diary provide an invaluable account of his diplomatic activities and the intricate political landscape of the time. This document stands as a significant artifact, offering insights into Spanish diplomatic strategies, interactions with American officials, and the broader context of the Cuban independence movement. The journal includes several newspaper clippings to corroborate the memoir, as well as other original documents such as a manifesto by Céspedes dated February 20, 1870, addressed to "A los patriotas cubanos residentes en países extranjeros," a printed invitation by Miguel de Aldama, who was a principal agent of the Cuban independence movement in New York, and Cortés's printed report on the trade and agricultural and industrial statistics of the United States for the year 1869. Among the clippings is also a poem titled "A Cuba," signed as Carlota Corday. This manuscript is particularly important because Cortés's activities in New York are otherwise not well documented. Balbino Cortés y Morales's diary begins with the proposal from the Spanish government to transfer him from Algiers to New York, where his services were deemed essential. Upon accepting the position, he received instructions in Havana from Antonio Caballero y Fernández de Rodas, the Captain General of Cuba. His efforts in New York included establishing secret agents and navigating the generally friendly American presence. Cortés's tenure was marked by various challenges, including the difficulties faced by Mauricio López Roberts, the Spanish plenipotentiary in Washington, in managing diplomatic affairs between Washington and New York. The diary details anonymous threats against Cortés's life, the prevention of filibuster expeditions to Cuba, and the seizure of Spanish gunboats by the American government. Notably, it highlights the intricate political maneuvering required to handle these issues. Significant incidents recorded in the diary include interactions with key figures like López Roberts and Ferrer de Couto, the chief editor of El Cronista de Nueva York, who vehemently opposed Cuban separatism and annexation. The diary also details the Cuban government's interception of rebel correspondence and the arrival and- $39,575
- $39,575
Darwin és az állatvilág [Darwin es az allatvilag]. Irta Margó Tivadar, M. Akademiai Lev. Tag s a M. K. Egyetemen az állattan és összehasonlító boncztan tanára. Három képes táblával és fametszetekkel
Margó [Margo], Tivadar First separate edition, revised offprint from "Természettudományi Közlöny". In publisher's printed wrappers. [7] 4-44 p., and 3 illustrated plates. First separate edition of the first Hungarian treatise about Darwin's theory. A revised offprint, originally published in Természettudományi Közlöny, a Hungarian natural-historical review in the same year (Vol. 1, no. 5-6). An introduction to Darwin's theory and his groundbreaking book On the Origin of Species. Written by the progressive Hungarian scientist and early Darwinist Tivadar Margó (1816-1896), author of the first Hungarian zoological book based on Darwin's theories. He revised the translation of On the Origin of Species, met Darwin personally in 1875, and wrote the first biography and obituary of Darwin in Hungarian. . Ownership inscription on cover, and p. [7]. Wrappers with foxing, rear panel discolored, extremities artistically restored. Water stains at the edges, otherwise clean. In very good condition. In publisher's printed wrappers First separate edition, revised offprint from "Természettudományi Közlöny".- $4,947
- $4,947
Viaggio del cittadino Carlo Mantegazza milanese a S. Domingo nell’anno 1802
Mantegazza, Carlo First edition. In later hard paper. [6] [2] 3-136 p. One of the earliest Italian accounts on Toussaint Louverture and the Haitian Revolution. First edition of this narrative detailing a voyage to the French Caribbean colony of Saint-Domingue in 1802 during the Haitian Revolution, authored by Carlo Mantegazza, an Italian adventurer from Milan. This work is structured as a series of dated letters, beginning on 28 January 1802 in Lyon. Mantegazza's journey includes his departure from Nantes on the Victorine on 20 March 1802. After several entries made at sea, he documents his arrival at Basse-Terre on Guadeloupe on 10 May 1802 before proceeding to Cap-Français in Saint-Domingue later that month. Mantegazza's observations span a wide range of topics: the island's geography, the cultivation of rice, coffee, and sugar, reflections on slavery, the social structure of the island, details about plantations and the slave trade, the colony's economy, and the activities of General François-Dominique Toussaint Louverture (1743-1803), a leading figure in the Haitian Revolution. Notably, this publication is among the earliest Italian accounts of Toussaint Louverture and, to our best knowledge, represents the first firsthand report of the Haitian Revolution in Italian. Sabin 44397. . Later bookplate on the verso of the title page (Monsignor Commendatore Luigi Maggiotti). Light foxing throughout. Otherwise in fine condition.- $1,546
- $1,546
