Charles Tovey — Wit, Wisdom, and Morals, Distilled from Bacchus

London, Whittaker & Co. 1878. First edition. Cloth. A beautiful first edition of this scarce study on wine through the ages, being the author's presentation copy to a friend. First edition. Scarce work. The author's presentation copy, signed with ink inscriptions to the front endpaper and title page that reads "from his friend and the author" and "with the author's regards". A detailed and comprehensive study on wine through the ages, with philosophical writings on the wines of the ancients. Offering a collection of poetry, essays, and anecdotes on wine and wine drinking, as well as drinking habits of the past, Irish tales, Bacchanalian lyrics, and stories for the dinner table. Distilled from Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, agriculture, and fertility, often seen with vines of grapes with him. Written by Charles Tovey, an English wine merchant and writer on wines. In the original full cloth binding. Externally, smart with light rubbing and minor bumping to the extremities. The odd small mark to the boards. Hinges just starting but firm. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are very bright with the odd small spot. Minor age toning to the extremities with an orange sticker to the front pastedown. Very Good Indeed . Ill.: None. Very Good Indeed .