The Praise of Hell: Or, A View of the Infernal Regions (2 Vols.) by Jean Frederic Bernard - 1760

London: G. Kearsly, 1760. Collectible; Very Good. Containg Some Account of the Advantages of That Place, With Respect to Its Antiquity, Situation, and Stability. Together with a Description of Its Inhabitants; Their Dresses, Manners, Amusements, and Employments. To Which Is Added A Detail of the Laws, Government, and Constitution of Hell." 1st English language edition, 1760, originally published in French the previous year as "Eloge d'Enfer". A very clean, well-preserved set. Modern quarter calf over marbled boards. Raised bands, bright gilt-lettering to spines, new endsheets. A solid VG+ to Near Fine set with only light, occasional foxing. 2 beautiful engraved frontispieces, 6 plates. 16 mos, 415 pgs. all told. A puzzling work in which the author appears to make Lucifer's home seem more attractive than the alternative. He tells of the many important figures of the church who reside there, such as Alexander VI, and the many learned divines, including Albertus Magnus and Duns Scotus. Hell is easy to get to, so legend has it, and one meets all the most important people there. A wonderfully wicked--and very attractive-- mid 18th century look at hell.