The Compleat Gentleman:

An early edition of this important seventeenth-century courtesy book by Henry Peacham on the conduct of a Compleat Gentleman.

The work offers guidance drawn from an array of classical and contemporary sources on the proper manner of speaking and writing, to the education, and pastimes such as poetry, music, and fishing expected of an English gentleman.

It was compiled by the educator and writer Henry Peacham (1578-c.1644) following a tour of continental Europe which he undertook between 1612and 1615. 'The Complete Gentleman (1622), which Peacham finished after his return to London, is probably his best-known work, and it 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. By now the courtesy book was being addressed to an audience less markedly aristocratic, and although The Complete Gentleman was for the use of William Howard it is clear that Peacham sought popular appeal' (ODNB).

4to (19 x 15.5 cm); additional engraved title trimmed to borders and laid-down to front free endpaper verso, numerous woodcut illustrations, letterpress title with paper repair to top corner, A4 with small hole affecting a few letters and repaired closed title, occasional MS notes in pen to margins, final leaf with cancelled MS notes laid-down to rear free endpaper, slightly browned with occasional spotting, old bookseller's ticket to front pastedown, later endpapers; contemporary calf, rebacked, corners repaired, contrasting red morocco lettering-piece to spine, edges slightly rubbed; [10], 304, [8], 305-455, [1]pp.