1687 Rare Latin Vellum Book - Tacitus Works on Roman Empire's Society, and Military Affairs
(Description)
Author: Publius Cornelius Tacitus.
Title: C. Cornelii Taciti Opera quae exstant, ex recensione et cum animadversionibus Theodori Ryckii.
Publisher: Lugduni Batavorum [Leiden], Apud Jacobum Hackium, 1687. First thus.
Language: Text in Latin.
Size: 6" X 4".
Pages: 620 pages + Index.
Binding: Very good full vellum binding with covers decorated with blind-stamped panels (hinges fine, overall slightly worn, soiled and scuffed - as shown) under a removable protective mylar cover.
Content: Very good content (bright, tight, and clean, rare light foxing and staining - as shown, first free blank endpaper page removed as often - as shown, ink name of a previous owner on the first endpaper - as shown).
Illustration: Complete with the engraved frontispiece portraying a symbolic representation of the virtues central to Tacitus' historical works.
Estimate: (USD 400 - USD 500).
The book: This edition of Tacitus' works, edited by Theodorus Ryckius (Theodoor Ryck), is a fine example of late 17th-century scholarship and printing. The works of Tacitus are crucial for the study of Roman history, offering detailed accounts of the Roman Empire's governance, society, and military affairs. This edition is especially valuable for its commentary and notes by Ryckius, which were highly respected in academic circles at the time. The Leiden edition by Jacobus Hackium is particularly known for its quality of print and scholarly value, making this a desirable edition for collectors and historians alike.
The author: Publius Cornelius Tacitus (c. 56 – c. 120 AD) was a Roman historian and senator, renowned for his penetrating analysis of power, corruption, and the dynamics of the Roman state. His works, including Annales, Historiae, and Germania, are considered among the most important sources for understanding the history and governance of the Roman Empire.
The editor: Theodorus Ryckius (1599-1649) was a Dutch classical scholar known for his critical editions of Latin authors. His work on Tacitus is particularly noted for its thoroughness and insight, making it a significant contribution to the study of classical texts.