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PEACHAM, Henry.
The Compleat Gentleman:
Fashioning Him absolute in the most Necessary and Commendable Qualities, concerning Mind, or Body, that may be required in a Person of Honor. To which is added the Gentlemans Exercise or, An exquisite practise, as well for drawing all manner of Beasts, as for making Colours, to be used in Painting, Limming, &c. The Third Impression much inlarged, especially in the Art of Blazonry, by a very good Hand.
Publisher: London: printed by E. Tyler, for Richard Thrale, 1661
Stock code: 47627
Price: £1,250 Currency Conversion
Third edition, first published in 1622. The Compleat Gentleman "occupies a significant place in the history of courtesy literature. Its immediate inspiration was Peacham's conviction, arising from his continental tour, that the education of young English gentlemen was markedly inferior to that afforded to European gentry … The Complete Gentleman offers advice over a wide range of topics with humour and sagacity … Several chapters have become classic statements, like that 'Of poetry' which was to be frequently quoted as a summary of contemporary views. The learning displayed here offers ample justification for Peacham's claim 'By profession I am a Scholler' (Graphice, 1612, sig. A2v)" (ODNB). Peacham died in or after 1644.
Small quarto (183 × 140 mm). Contemporary dark calf, blind-ruled spine and boards, later red morocco spine label. Additional engraved title-page as frontispiece (A1), woodcut arms in the text. "The Gentlemans Exercise" has separate dated title page; pagination and register are continuous. Early ownership inscription at head of printed title. Front joint restored, some leaves a little frayed at edges, scattered worming in gutter towards end, still a good copy.
