1587 Scarce Latin Vellum Book - Achilles Tatius’ Clitophon and Leucippe
Author: Achilles Tatius (Achillis Statii Alexandrini). Translated by Annibale Cruceio.
Title: Achillis Statii Alexandrini De Clitophontis et Leucippes Amori Libri VIII.
Publisher: Bergomi (Bergamo), Typis Comini Venturae & Soc., ad instantiam Sp. Viri D. Antonij Antoniani, 1587.
Language: Text in Latin, translated from the original Greek.
Size: 5.25 x 3.25 inches.
Pages: 248 pages
Binding: Very good contemporary limp vellum binding, hand-lettered title on spine (faded and partly illegible), with yapp edges. The vellum shows typical age toning, stains, and some wear, with a small loss to the upper front cover and some cracking at the spine ends, yet remains complete and protective (hinges fine, overall slightly worn and scuffed - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover.
Content: Very good content (bright, tight and clean, some light foxing or staining - as shown, toning to the middle part of the text block - as shown, early ownership signature on the page facing the title page and an interesting pasted woodcut image - as shown).
Illustrations: Decorated with large woodcut initials and an elaborate title page vignette. The pasted woodcut portrait on the verso of the front flyleaf adds a touch of unique provenance to this copy.
Estimate: (Scarce with no or few other copies available for sale worldwide).
The book: This rare 1587 Latin edition of Achilles Tatius’ Clitophon and Leucippe is a major piece of the Western literary canon, representing one of the five extant Greek novels from antiquity. The story, part romance, part adventure, weaves themes of love, separation, mistaken identity, pirates, and far-off travels, captivating both Renaissance and modern audiences. This edition, printed in Bergamo, stands out for its scholarly translation by Annibale Cruceio and commentary by Augustinus Gambarellius, making it a landmark in the transmission of Greek literature to Renaissance Europe. Surviving copies in contemporary vellum are increasingly scarce.
The author: Achilles Tatius, an Alexandrian writer of the 2nd century CE, is best remembered for Leucippe and Clitophon, a sophisticated prose romance reflecting both the narrative charms and the intellectual backdrop of the Hellenistic world. His work influenced Byzantine and Renaissance writers and stands as one of the most readable and engaging ancient novels, blending wit, erotic tension, and adventure.
The translator: Annibale Cruceio (Annibale Cruceius) was an Italian humanist and translator active in the 16th century, dedicated to rendering Greek classical works into Latin for Renaissance audiences. His careful translations and notes provided access to Greek literary treasures otherwise unavailable to Latin readers, contributing significantly to the classical revival movement across Italy and Europe.