[Rochester (John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of)] A Satyr against Mankind, rare first edition, [London], no printer, 1679.

[Rochester (John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of)] A Satyr against Mankind. Written by a person of Honour, first edition, bifolium, drop-head title, some worming to inner gutters, [Wing R1759 (dating it c.1675); Grolier Wither to Prior 984], folio, [London], no printer, [?1679].

⁂ Rare first edition of this notorious poem, which questions reason and critiques rationalism. It gave rise to several poetic responses, including Edward Pococke's An Answer to the Satyr against Mankind, Thomas Lessey's A Satyr In Answer to the Satyr against Man, and two anonymous works: An answer to a Satyr [against] Reason & Mankind and An Answer to the Satyr, Against Man. Another issue in broadside form exists, probably published in the same year. It is occasionally proposed as the first edition, by Vieth, for example, who gives no reasoning in support.