1659 Rare Latin Vellum Book - Io. Barclaii ARGENIS. Editio novissima. Elzevir.
(description)
Author : John Barclay.
Title : Io. Barclaii Argenis. Editio novissima. Cum clave. Hoc est, nominum propriorum elucidatione hactenus nondum edita.
Language : Text in Latin.
Publisher : Amstelodami : Apud Ludovicum Elzevirium, 1659.
Size : 5.5 " X 3.5 ".
Pages : 569 pages + index.
Binding : Very good full vellum binding (hinges fine, overall slightly worn and scuffed, small stain on front cover - as shown) under a removable protective mylar cover.
Content : Very good content (bright, tight, name of a previous owner on margin of title page - as shown).
Illustrations : Complete with the engraved title page.
Estimate : (USD 175 - USD 250)
The book : Rare early 17th century Elzevir edition of Barclay's best-known work the Argenis, a political romance, resembling in certain respects the Arcadia of Philip Sidney, and the Utopia of Thomas More. The book was completed about a fortnight before his death, which has been said to have been hastened by poison.
The author: John Barclay (28 January 1582 – 15 August 1621) was a Scottish writer, satirist and neo-Latin poet. He wrote his major novel, Argenis, in Rome and, according to his contemporaries, indulged in gardening.