GUYOT, Edme Gilles Nouvelles récréations physiques... Lot 1067

GUYOT, Edme Gilles Nouvelles récréations physiques et mathématiques [...]. New edition. Paris s.n. 1799 3 vol, 8vo: xvi-353; viii-380; [4]-399 pp.; 151 pl. of which 49 fold. (pencil lines, pl. 14/2 tear, some sm. dampstains). Contemp. half morocco, laquered cloth covers, gilt decorated spine (sm. defects). 4th ed. (1st: 1769-1770), augmented in content but reduced to 3 vol. according to the "Avertissement" in order "to attract a larger public". E.M. Guyot (1706-1786) experimented with optical illusions and with the theory behind performance magic. This "Nouvelles récréations" is regarded as greatly influential in the development of magic lanterns and their use in phantasmagoria, a form of horror theatre. "The suspension of Mohammed's coffin, the suspension of the statue of Arsinoe in an Alexandrian temple, etc.", he treats these as myths and absurdities. A.L. Caillet calls this work even more complete than R. Houdini's! At the end of vol.3 is a price list of the used instruments available at Guyot's instrument shop. Engr. ill: this copy is complete with 102 full-page pl, but includes 49 additional folding pl, most likely from previous editions. Ref. Honeyman 1584 (1st ed.). - Wheeler Gift 426 (id.). - Caillet 4900 (other ed.). - BnF.