Abrége de mythologie, [1780s].

1 v. (103 p.) ; 25 x 19 cm.

French

Purchased from Amanda Hall Rare Books on the James Marshall and Marie-Louise Osborn Fund, 2007.

Manuscript in a neat cursive hand of a synopsis of the lives of the major Roman gods and goddesses, as well as some of the minor deities, probably copied or composed while Clifton was at school. The preface condemns the "faux dieux" and "ignorance" of the ancients, but concedes the myths have poetic interest. The entry on the Muses is in rhyme, while the biography of Pluto is accompanied by a chapter "Du gouvernement des enfers" and a description of the Champs Elysées. The discussion of Venus is particularly brief. The volume includes a formal title page and a table of contents.

September 21, 2007

Frances Clifton, Abrége de mythologie. James Marshall and Marie-Louise Osborn Collection, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University.

Frances Clifton, Abrége de mythologie. James Marshall and Marie-Louise Osborn Collection, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University.