ON WINE AND WATERCLOSETS

[ROLLESTON, Samuel (ca 1702-1766)]

Oinos Krithinos. A Dissertation Concerning the Origin and Antiquity of Barley Wine [Bound with:] A Philosophical Dialogue Concerning Decency. To Which is Added a Critical and Historical Dissertation on Places of Retirement for Necessary Occasions

I: Oxford; II: London: James Fletcher, 1750; 1751. Two works in one volume, 4to (9.5 x 7.5 inches). I: Half-title. 38, [2] index, [3] publisher's catalogue. II: 47, [1] index. Modern quarter calf preserving early marbled boards. Provenance: Edward Hamilton (gilt-morocco bookplate); Wigan Free Public Library (discreet blindstamp on second title). Some intermittent foxing, light wear to binding. Item #404855

COLLECTING THE ONLY TWO RECORDED WORKS BY SAMUEL ROLLESTON, FIRST (and only) EDITIONS. Both are informative, and highly witty, discussions, the first on the origins of alcoholic beverages, and the second a dissertation in the form of a dialogue on the history of public bathrooms. In it, Rolleston coins the word "watercloset." Both works are followed by an index with long lists of the Greek, Latin and English authors quoted. ESTC T72861 & T72231; Simon, Bibliotheca Gastronomica, 1303; Vicaire, Bibliographie Gastronomique, page 403.

Price: $2,250.00