1675 – Government of the Tongue – Allestree | English Linguistics & Speech

The Government of the Tongue is a 17th-century English tract by Richard Allestree. Allestree covered a variety of broad, linguistic topics including use and abuse of speech and language, legal and personal defamation, lying and telling the truth, flattery, boasting, positive encouragement, obscene talk, and more. This book was written with the intents of improving speech and personal communications.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Government of the Tongue
• Author(s): Richard Allestree
• Publisher: [Oxford], At the Theater in Oxford
• Edition: 1675 edition.
• Binding: Leather
• Format: (12mo), single volume
• Size:  7.25 in x 4.5 in (19 cm x 12 cm)
• Collation: [16], 224 pp.
• Illustrations:
• Contents Include:
  • Use and abuse of speech
  • Truthfulness and lying
  • Defamation and slander
  • Flattery and boasting
  • Obscene and improper language
  • Speech as moral discipline
• Reference(s): Wing A 1135; Wing A 1085; Madan 3046; Madan 3043

Condition:

Very Good. Leather binding remains tight and secure with light rubbing to the corners and edges. Spine faded with minor loss of leather at the foot. Pages remain clean and legible with expected age toning throughout.

Why Collect This?

• Important 17th-century Anglican conduct and language work
• Influential text on speech and moral behavior

Item Number: #50469