Diderot on the Craft of the 18th Century Furrier -1770

"Fourreur"

Edited by Denis Diderot. Published in Paris, around 1770.

This section (or chapter) from the ‘Encyclopedie' illustrates the craft of the furrier, showing how the animal hides and fur may be cut, the drying process, the tools used, and the interior of a furrier's showroom.

The “Encyclopedie, ou dictionnaire raisonne des sciences, des arts et des métiers” ("Encyclopedia, or a systematic dictionary of the sciences, arts, and crafts") was one of the greatest achievements of scholarship and literature in the late 18thn century world. Published in France under the editorship of Denis Diderot between 1751 and 1772, with additions until 1780, Diderot once explained that "All things must be examined, debated, investigated without exception and without regard for anyone's feelings."

Of course this was not a universally popular sentiment in late 18th century France, and the book was officially banned by the King in 1759. Officially banned or not, work continued quite openly, and in the end the ‘Encyclopedie’ presented a marvelous overview of human knowledge at the time. Among the most valuable articles were those discussing, explaining and illustrating the crafts and trades, complete with views of workshop interiors, tools and manufacturing methods. Many scholars also give the ‘Encyclopedie’ credit for helping to introduce and popularize philosophies of egalitarianism which would help lead to the French Revolution, but that’s a topic for anther day.

Hardcover. 10"x16", 1 page of text and 6 copper engraved plates; bound in new cloth. in nice, clean condition.

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