1794 · Edinburgh
by Tourner, Henry Marius. (Erico Mario Tourner)
Edinburgh: Printed by Neill & Co. for the Author, 1794. 8vo. 130 x 210 mm., [8 ¼ x 5 inches]. xxxix, 393 [3] including the final errata leaf. Bound in contemporary tree calf, spine gilt in compartments with original green morocco label titled in gilt, plain gray endpapers, speckled edges. Fine Copy complete with subscriber’s list and final errata.
First edition. According to the title-page Henry Marius Tourner was “A Native of Rome and Member of the Roman Arcadia and of Several Other Literary Societies.” A review of his book in The Scottish Register states that he was born in Rome of English parents and was educated in both Italy and England where he studied philosophy and theology and received an LL. D. It goes on to say that his New Introduction considered the most accomplished Italian grammar published in the 18th century.” The review goes on to states,
“Without entering into any particular comparison between the present work and the grammars of Veneroni and Baretti. . . we will venture to assert that Mr. Tourner will be found . . .to have improved upon his predecessors. His performance is that of a man well acquainted with literature in general, as well as complete master of the language of which he treats. . .noting is omitted. . .we can freely recommend as the best elementary work of this language that we have hitherto met with; and as even meriting the perusal of the more advanced proficient, and the amateurs of Italian literature.”
As the 8 page subscriber’s list suggest, Tourner was very well known in Edinburgh. The lists includes hundreds of names, not surprisingly many young women are recorded, perhaps his students. Other prominent Scottish names also appear, including Walter Scott, Henry Brougham, Dr. Blair Professor of Rhetoric, Lady Elizabeth Cunningham and one Dr. Conrad of Virginia, to name a few. Miss Scott, the dedicatee of the book order 8 copies and it may have been her largess which prompted this recognition.
English Short Title Catalog, T113969. The Scottish Register . Vol. IV 1795, pp. 334-339. (Inventory #: 1317)
First edition. According to the title-page Henry Marius Tourner was “A Native of Rome and Member of the Roman Arcadia and of Several Other Literary Societies.” A review of his book in The Scottish Register states that he was born in Rome of English parents and was educated in both Italy and England where he studied philosophy and theology and received an LL. D. It goes on to say that his New Introduction considered the most accomplished Italian grammar published in the 18th century.” The review goes on to states,
“Without entering into any particular comparison between the present work and the grammars of Veneroni and Baretti. . . we will venture to assert that Mr. Tourner will be found . . .to have improved upon his predecessors. His performance is that of a man well acquainted with literature in general, as well as complete master of the language of which he treats. . .noting is omitted. . .we can freely recommend as the best elementary work of this language that we have hitherto met with; and as even meriting the perusal of the more advanced proficient, and the amateurs of Italian literature.”
As the 8 page subscriber’s list suggest, Tourner was very well known in Edinburgh. The lists includes hundreds of names, not surprisingly many young women are recorded, perhaps his students. Other prominent Scottish names also appear, including Walter Scott, Henry Brougham, Dr. Blair Professor of Rhetoric, Lady Elizabeth Cunningham and one Dr. Conrad of Virginia, to name a few. Miss Scott, the dedicatee of the book order 8 copies and it may have been her largess which prompted this recognition.
English Short Title Catalog, T113969. The Scottish Register . Vol. IV 1795, pp. 334-339. (Inventory #: 1317)
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