[EROTICA]. KNIGHT, Richard Payne (1751-1824). An Account of the Remains of the Worship of Priapus, Lately Existing at Isernia, in the Kingdom of Naples? London: T. Spilsbury, 1786. 4to. With all 18 plates, 12 of which are full-page. 195, [1, blank] pp. Approximately 11 x 8 ?". Bound in publisher's plain boards, rebacked to style in modern white paper, six raised bands (some wear, soiling to boards, hinges starting, some occasional foxing in text, some offsetting from illustrations, a few pages unopened). Fine. FIRST AND ONLY EDITION OF THIS NOTORIOUS BOOK, BEING A TREATISE ON ANCIENT PHALLUS WORSHIP. THIS COPY INSCRIBED BY SIR JOSEPH BANKS (1743-1820), SECRETARY OF THE SOCIETY OF DILLETANTI. Inscribed by Banks on p. [2]: ?Presented to his Grace the Duke of Portland By the Society of Dilettanti in consequence of a motion made for that purpose by Sir. Thos. Dundas Bart / JB Sec. April 1st 1787." Banks was an author, scientist and explorer, having taken part of Cook's First Voyage. He later became a member of the Society of Dilettanti in 1774. The Society of Dilettanti was a scholarly society of British noblemen and scholars who studied classical art. Some founding members were Joshua Reynolds, David Garrick, and the author of this controversial book, Richard Payne Knight. A wonderful association copy.Measurements: 12"L x 10"W x 2"H.