Rare work on flatulence, beautifully bound by Thouvenin (1779-1834), the leading French bookbinder of his time. The text, which humoristically defends and glorifies farting, was first delivered as an oration by the Spanish classical scholar, librarian, and dean of Alicante, Manuel Marti (1663-1737), to the Accademia degli Arcadi, here addressed as the "farting fathers". In addition to claiming that farting increases life expectancy, Marti discusses Crepitus, the Roman god of flatulence, frequently cites Aristophanes, and refers to the philosophers Zeno and Crates, as well as to the likes of Plautus, Plutarch, Seneca, and even St Augustine. First published posthumously at Madrid in 1737, Pro crepitu is Marti's best-known work. It was reprinted in Lausanne in 1776, and in Strasbourg for the present edition in 1768. An Italian translation appeared in 1771, and a Spanish translation in 1776. The work inspired Mercier de Compiègne's Éloge du pet. The present copy comes from the library of the Jewish physician Bob Luza (1893-1980).
With the bookplate of Bob Luza (1893-1980) mounted on the front pastedown. The front joint is very slightly weakened. The work is uncut, the leaves are slightly browned. Otherwise in good condition. Bibliotheca Scatologica 109; not in Welsh, A bibl. of miniature books.