1652 Rare Vellum Latin Book - Plautus Plays, Plauti Comoediae Superstites XX

Author: Titus Maccius Plautus.
Title: M. Acci Plauti Comoediae Superstites XX. Accuratissime edita.
Publisher: Amstelodami, Typis Ludovici Elzevirii, 1652.
Language: Text in Latin.
Size: 4.5 X 2.5 inches.
Pages: 715 + (5) pages.
Binding: Very good contemporary full vellum binding, slightly darkened with age, featuring handwritten title on the spine (hinges fine, overall slightly worn, soiled and scuffed - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover.
Content: Very good content (bright, tight and clean, rare light foxing or staining - as shown).
Illustrations: Engraved frontispiece depicting a theatrical scene with various figures and masks, a fine example of 17th-century book illustration.

The book: This rare 17th-century edition of M. Acci Plauti Comoediae is a highly sought-after publication by the esteemed Elzevir printing house. The volume contains twenty surviving comedies by Plautus, one of the most celebrated Roman playwrights. Printed in Amsterdam in 1652, this edition reflects the precision and craftsmanship associated with Elzevir's typography, making it a valuable addition to any collection of classical literature.

The author: Titus Maccius Plautus (c. 254–184 BCE) was a Roman playwright renowned for his comedies, which influenced later dramatic traditions, including Shakespeare and Molière. His plays, often adapted from Greek originals, featured witty dialogues, mistaken identities, and sharp social commentary, solidifying his legacy as a master of comedic theater.