A System of Phrenology
New York: Fowler & Wells Co., Publishers, 1890.
Hardcover. This admittedly worn but still exceedingly fun and thoroughly illustrated 1890 guide to the pseudo-science of phrenology, reading people's characters by the shape of their skulls, comes from the personal library of Anders Ericsson (1947-2020), “The Expert on Experts,” the late cognitive psychologist known for his influential work on deliberate practice and expert performance.
7 1/2" X 5". [i], iv-vii, [ii], 26-516pp, plus 8 pages of publisher's ads. Bound in dark brown cloth over boards, with boards decoratively stamped in blind and spine lettered in gilt. Rather heavy wear to binding, with scuffing, scattered rubbing, and soiling to cloth, corners bumped and frayed, sunning to spine, and repaired tear to head of spine. Binding is sound. Foxing, age-toning, occasional stain to margins, and pencilled marks to pages throughout. Illustrated in over a hundred engravings throughout, including several plates. Good +. Item #17285
Price: $45.00