Instructions for a young Nobleman; or, the idea of a person of honour. Done out of French [i.e. from the "Instruction pour un jeune seigneur" of J. Trotti de la Chétardie. The translator's dedication is signed: F.S., i.e. Ferrand Spence].
1683
Items
Details
Title
Instructions for a young Nobleman; or, the idea of a person of honour. Done out of French [i.e. from the "Instruction pour un jeune seigneur" of J. Trotti de la Chétardie. The translator's dedication is signed: F.S., i.e. Ferrand Spence].
Published
London : R. Bentley & S. Magnes, 1683.
Description
84 pages ; (8ð)
Note
This is a PRELIMINARY RECORD. It may contain incorrect information. Please email catalog@folger.edu for assistance.
Item Details
Call number
FAST ACC 271712 (quarto)
Folger-specific note
Purchase made possible by The Gladys Brooks Acquisitions Endowment Fund. From dealer's description: "Ferrand Spence's translation of Trotti de la Chétardie's Instructions pour un jeune seigneur, published in Paris in two parts by T. Girard the same year. Little is known of Trotti, who authored only one other work: a conduct manual for woman, in 1685, which may be seen as a kind of companion volume to the present. Perhaps even less is known of Spence, a graduate of Jesus College, Cambridge, who bears witness today through his many English translations, including a five-volume edition of Lucian (though this, according to Halkett & Laing, in the second edition of their Dictionary of Anonymous and Pseudonymous Literature of Great Britain, was translated from the French, not the Greek, a claim made on the title page). Instructions for a Young Nobleman begins with general advice on being just and bold, cultivating wit, avoiding "ill company," and fighting the temptations of envy. Trotti has good counsel for writing well, even offering tips on the composition of love letters. The little book concludes with 100 Christian and Moral Maxims ("High places make weak brains giddy," and "Extraordinary fortunes disturb the noddles of those who have not a strong judgement," are two of the more memorable). Most interesting, however, is the mysterious provenace of our book: a custodial signature of one Sarah Walcot to recto of A1. Nothing is known of Walcot, and only one other book is known from her library: of copy of A helpe to discourse, or, A miscelany of seriousnesse with merriment [London: I(ohn) B(eale) for Leonard Becket, 1631], with Walcot's signature to upper pastedown. This exemplar resides at the Folger Shakespeare Library." Ordered from WS Cotter Rare Books & Restoration, D9356, 2019-10-18, email quote.
Folger accession
271712