Author

PSALMANAZAR, George.

Title

An historical and geographical description of Formosa,
an island subject to the Emperor of Japan. ... To which is prefix'd, a preface in vindication of himself from the reflections of a Jesuit ... By George Psalmanaazaar, ... The second edition corrected, ... Illustrated with several cuts. To which are added, a map, and the figure of an idol not in the former edition.

Published, Date

Wotton, London1705.

Description

Second edition. 8vo., [56],288,[8]pp., 15 engraved plates, 2 folding (one torn without loss), engraved folding map, contemporary panelled calf rebacked, short tears head of spine, later annotations to front free endpaper, title-page with a few words underlined in red, a very good copy.

Note

A leading literary imposter of the eighteenth century, Psalmanazar (1679?-1763) assumed a false identity as a Formosan citizen. When based in London he lectured on his so-called native customs, food and his invented language and religion. Financially supported by Jesuits and high society in England he published his alleged early life in Formosa. Psalmanazar's book was an instant success, and he was sent to Christ Church, Oxford. There he wrote an expanded and more daring second edition, which included sensational new claims about cannibalism and the subordination of Formosan women. In fact the two topics are sometimes conflated, as when Psalmanazar describes men devouring sinful women or discarded wives. The flourishing of such forgers at this time may have been a response to the increased professionalization of knowledge during the period. Psalmanazar's quarrel with the Royal Society, his defence of revelation in religion, and his immersion in ancient Hebrew may be all regarded as a rebellion against modern forms of knowledge. (ODNB).

References

Stock Number

81536