Description

First edition of a scarce and very unusual poetical dictionary by Francisco José Freire (1719-1773), a religious member of the monastic society of St Philip Neri and one of the most influential figures of the Arcadia Lusitana, a renowned Portuguese literary academy of the 18 th century. In fact, scholars in general agree that Francisco Freire’s ( under the pseudonym of Candido Lusitano) literary style was the precursor of this important literary movement. The work is an essential tool for the full understanding of the literary style behind this important literary movement . In Candido Lusitano´s own words “this dictionary is of particular utility for poets and orators.” In addition, Candido Lusitano’s “Diccionario Poetico” is of importance for lexical study, as well as, for the study of the social culture of the time, since it associates various definitions with subjective, and in many cases prejudicial and biased, synonyms and figurative ideas. As an example, the entry for the term “ Indio” [Indian] includes “ O torpe habitador do novo mundo, nos costumes feroz, na vida immundo ” [The disgusting habitant of the New World, brutal in his customs, filthy in his life]. “ Torpe sangue de incautos caminhantes ” [Repulsive race of credulous wanderers], synonyms and figurative terms for the term “Indio” also include ugly, cruel, impious, vile, despicable, impious, arid, naked…. The work is composed of two volumes (bound together) and an additional part titled “ Socorro Poetico de various similes e comparações por ordem também alfabetica” (Poetry’s help with various analogies and comparisons), a peculiar alphabetical dictionary with comparisons and analogies. The work published in 1765 could be only be purchased in the “ Portaria da casa N. Senhora das Necessidades ” [at the entrance of the Covent of Nossa Senhora das Necessidades in Lisbon] and at the “ Logea de Francisco Tavares ” [small Lisboeta bookstore]. Author : Candido Lusitano [pseudonym used by Francisco José Freire] Title: Diccionario Poetico. Para uso dos que principião a exercitarse na Poesia Portugueza. Obra igualmente útil ao orador principiante. (Volume I & Volume II) Published : Lisboa, Na Offic. Patriarcal de Francisco Luiz Ameno, 1765 Physical Description: Two works bound together, in 4to, [40], 408; [2], 343 pp. Ornamental woodcut initial letters & headpieces. Volume bound in 18 th century mottled calf, spines raised in bands, morocco title labels, gilt lettering and ornaments. Condition: Complete. In very good internal condition, a couple of leaves with minor marginal soiling, title page with manuscript name of a previous owner and erased signature. Binding defective and with loss of leather at the spine.