The Traveller's Oracle; or, Maxims for Locomotion: Containing Precepts for Promoting the Pleasures and Hints for Preserving the Health of Travellers. Two volumes: Part I and Part II.

KITCHINER, William M.D. [NORTHWICK]

Published by London: Henry Colburn, 1827.

About this Item

viii, 264 pp; viii, 336 pp, 1 leaf [ad: "Preparing for publication, by subscription, of a whole-length portrait of the late Dr. Kitchiner, from an original picture, painted by Mr. Turner, in the possession of his son, Mr. W. Kitchiner. . ." (see photo)]; 7 printed song scores bound in Part I. These songs are bound in as individual leaves in this copy. I have seen them described as folding in some other copies. Original boards, with original printed paper spine labels. Untrimmed (I can supply more photos of the bindings, upon request). Near Fine. WHICH EDITION is this set? In 1827 first and second editions were published, although the second edition is actually a reprinting and not a revision. This set does NOT have "Second Edition" printed on either title page, so, internally, it looks just like the First Edition. However, on the original printed paper spine labels, "Second Edition" is printed (see photo). I have seen a set in the original binding which has "Second Edition" printed on each title page, but its spine labels do NOT have "Second Edition " printed on them, so it is the exact opposite of my set! There are sets of the First Edition with spine labels that do not include "Second Edition". Part I subtitle: Estimates of the expenses of travelling on foot on horseback in stages in post chaises and in private carriage: with Seven songs for one, two, and three voices, composed by William Kitchiner, M.D. Part II subtitle: Horse and carriage keeper's oracle; Rules for purchasing and keeping or jobbing horses and carriages; Estimates of expenses occasioned thereby; and An easy plan for ascertaining every hackney-coach fare, by John Jervis, an old coachman. The whole revised by William Kitchiner, M.D. FOR THE RECORD: a third edition was published in 1828. All three editions were published posthumously, as Kitchiner died on February 27, 1827. Despite the designation on the title page, Kitchiner did not have an M.D. degree. Kitchiner is best known for a different "Oracle": Apicius redivivus, or, The Cook's Oracle, which was first published in 1817. His book The Art of Invigorating and Prolonging Life, by Food, Clothes, Air, Exercise, Wine, Sleep, &c., which was originally published in 1821, had "The Invalid's Oracle" added to its title in 1828. NOTE ABOUT FORMER OWNER OF THIS COPY: The signature of former owner "Northwick" is on the flyleaf in each volume. Might "Northwick" be John Rushout, 2nd Baron Northwick (1770 1859)? The Baron did have an armorial bookplate, which is not present in this set, but does that rule out this being his copy? You tell me.

Seller Inventory # 17329

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Traveller's Oracle; or, Maxims for Locomotion: Containing Precepts for Promoting the Pleasures and Hints for Preserving the Health of Travellers. Two volumes: Part I and Part II.
• Publisher: London: Henry Colburn, 1827.
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Near Fine