Various pieces in prose and verse on the financial transactions of John Law and others, and on the speculation frenzy in Amsterdam in 1720, brought together under a general title page; illustrated with prints, chiefly satirical. For discussion, cf. The great mirror of folly / by Arthur H. Cole. c1949; article by Frans De Bruyn in Eighteenth-century life, v. 24, no. 1 (winter 2000), p. 62-87.
Citation/reference: Sabin 28932 ; Alden, J.E. European Americana, 720/114 ; Lipperheide, F. Kat der Kostümbibliothek, 3550 ; Stolk, A. van. Atlas van Stolk, 3452
Statement of responsibility: door verscheide liefhebbers uytgegeven, tot beschimpinge dezer verfoeijelyke en bedrieglyke handel, waar door in dit jaar, verscheide familien en persoonen van hooge en lage stand zyn geruineerd, en in haar middelen verdorven, en de opregte negotie gestremt, zo in Vrankryk, Engeland als Nederland.
Version identification: Copy in *KB+ 1720 has points of Rijn's 3rd ed. including spellings "uytgegeven" and "dezer" on t.p., but retains spelling "meede" on t.p. Cf. Cole, p. 24 (3rd version of t.p.). In addition, sig. ²C is missigned "A" on 1st leaf. Copy in *KB+ 1720 contains 76 prints, but lacks the engraved "Register van alle de printen ..."
Citation/reference: At least 4 eds. are known; collation varies slightly; no. of prints varies. For detailed description of variations, cf. Het groote tafereel der dwaasheid en zijne geschiedenis / door G. van Rijn. 1905.
Content: Includes one engraving each by A. Humblot and B. Picart. A portrait of Law is signed: Leon. Schenk fecit, Pet. Schenk exc. Amst.
Content: Signatures: pi1 A-E² [F]² G1, ²A-B² [C, missigned A]² D-N², ³A-C² [D1] E-H², ⁴A-B², ⁵A-B² C1. Verso of last leaf of 3rd group blank.
Content: For description and digital images of 71 prints usually included in this work, see the website of the South Sea Bubble Collection, in the Kress Collection at Baker Library, Harvard Business School.
Content: Gedrukt tot waarschouwinge voor de nakomelingen, in 't noodlottige jaar, voor veel zotte en wyze, 1720 = Printed as a warning for the descendants, in the fateful year, for much foolishness and wisdom, 1720