A Plurality of Worlds, Nonesuch Press, by Bernard de Fontenelle

A Plurality of Worlds, by Bernard de Fontenelle is an early Enlightenment treatise on Philosophy, Cosmology, and Astronomy. Discussing the idea of cosmic pluralism, Fontenelle is remembered for his treatment of philosophical subjects in an accessible manner. Originally published in France in 1686, this edition uses Glanvill's translation of 1688.
 
Designed and published by Nonesuch Press founder Francis Meynell in 1929, with colour-stencilled illustrations by T. L. Poulton, this edition is a wonderful exemplar of Private Press volumes. Limited to 1200 copies (present no. 853). Housed in the original star-themed slipcase, the volume itself is bright in its original limp vellum cover. Printed on Van Gelder paper, the emphasis on quality and craftsmanship is immediately felt. Though the slipcase shows signs of wear, rubbed and worn in the corners, the book itself is in excellent condition. Some pages are still uncut (i.e some folds are not cut to separate the pages). Armorial bookplate to inside front cover, with numbered (lot?) stickers to inside back cover. In all a lovely copy of this treatise on philosophy.