Author: Ammianus Marcellinus: (de Valois, Adrien, ed.)
Title: Rerum Gestarum qui de XXXI. supersunt, libri XVIII. Ope MSS. codicum emendati ab Henrico Valesio, & auctioribus adnotationibus illustrati. Necnon excerpta vetera de gestis Constantini & regum Italiæ.
Description: Parisiis [Paris]: ex officina Antonii Dezallier, via Jacobea ad Coronam auream […] cum Privilegio Regis, 1681. 'Editio Posterior'. Folio, pp.[xxxii], xxxiv, [xiv], 676, [ii], 100, [ii]. Index bound immediately before the main text, rather than at the rear as is usual in this edition (Privilege still bound at rear, final leaf). Engraved printer's device to title-page, engraved headpiece with coat of arms to first page. Woodcut initials, head- and tail-pieces of various kinds, a few small illustrations in the text. A few leaves a little toned, occasional tiny spots of wax, very clean and bright overall. Slightly later tan calf, spine heavily gilt, raised bands, plain blind-tooled lines to boards, edges sprinkled red. Spine label lost, tail cap lost, joints cracked but cords firm, edges a little worn, lower corners frayed, edges of endpapers toned, still very good. The last of the great historians writing in Latin, Ammianus' (born c.330) work covers the period 353-378 and holds particular value as his perspective as a pagan army officer offers unique insight into the political and military turmoil of his time. Dibdin observes, 'Henri de Valois (or Valesius) published the first edition [1636], which was printed by Camuset; the second edition (printed by Dezaillier) was edited by Adrian de Valois; who, to his own notes, added the posthumous ones of his brother Henry and of Lindenbrogius. The Life of A. Marcellinus is written by Claudius Chiffletius. Of the latter edition the notes (except those of Lindenbrogius, which are unaccountably placed at the end of the volume) are inserted at the bottom of the text - an advantage not possessed by the edition of 1636. "C'est la plus magnifique édition d'Ammien (says Clement,) que je connoisse. Elle est imprimée en gros caractères qui sont d'une parfait beauté.".' Dibdin (4th edn.) I, 256

Keywords: Early Printing (to c.1800, all subjects);Classics & Antiquity


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