1654 Rare Latin Vellum Book - Martial's Epigrams with Juvenal and Persius Satires.
Author: M. Val. Martialis (Martial), Decimus Junius Juvenalis (Juvenal), Aulus Persius Flaccus.
Title: M. Val. Martialis Epigrammata cum Notis Th. Farnabii, Divn. Iuvenalis et Auli Persii Flacci Satyrae.
Publisher: Amstelodami, Apud Ioannem Ianssonium, 1654 (Martialis), Hagae-Comitis, Apud Arnoldum Leers, 1683 (Juvenalis et Persius). 3 volumes bound in one.
Language: Text in Latin.
Size: 5" X 3".
Pages: 456, 189 pages.
Binding: Very good contemporary full vellum binding with folded edges and manuscript title on the spine (hinges fine, slightly worn, and scuffed - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover.
Content: Very good content (bright, tight, and clean, rare light foxing and staining - as shown, old owner, writing in a neat hand on the front endpaper - as shown).
Illustrations: Complete with the two engraved title pages, including a beautifully detailed allegorical title page for Martialis (1654) and Juvenalis et Persius (1683). Both are exceptional examples of 17th-century craftsmanship in book illustration, featuring cherubs, masks, and classic figures representing the spirit of satire and epigram.
Estimate: (USD 300 - USD 400).
The book: This volume brings together the biting satires and epigrams of three classical Roman poets—Martial, Juvenal, and Persius—in a single binding. Thomas Farnaby's renowned annotations are included, offering scholarly insights into the texts. Martial's Epigrammata consists of witty, sharp epigrams, often reflecting on social life, human nature, and the intricacies of Roman society. Juvenal's satires, famous for their critique of Roman morals, are complemented by the philosophical reflections of Persius.
The authors: Marcus Valerius Martialis (circa 38-104 AD), Decimus Junius Juvenalis (circa 55-138 AD), and Aulus Persius Flaccus (34-62 AD) were prominent Roman poets whose works offer a profound glimpse into the moral, social, and political life of ancient Rome. Martialis is best known for his Epigrammata, sharp and satirical poems reflecting on daily Roman life, full of wit and humor. Juvenalis, with his Satires, provided a biting critique of Roman society, focusing on the moral decay, corruption, and hypocrisy of his time. Persius, though less prolific, contributed philosophical reflections in his Satires, heavily influenced by Stoic thought, offering more introspective and moral commentary. Together, their works capture the complexity of human nature and Roman life, blending humor, philosophy, and moral critique in an enduring literary legacy.