[Elzevir] Petrus Scriverius - Respublica Romana - 1626

SCRIVERIUS, PETRUS. — ROMAN REPUBLIC. THE HONOR OF THE EVERLASTING CITY RESTORED BY P. SCRIVERIUS (LEIDIAN, ELZEVIER LIBRARY, 1626, ELZEVIER EDITION ORIGINAL). Leiden: Elzevier Office, 1626. In-32 (Elzevirian format). Full contemporary calf with gilded edges. Original edition eagerly sought, issued in Leiden by Bonaventure and Abraham Elzevier in 1626. Launched in the 1620s, the Elzevir collection of the “Republics” constituted pocket political, geographical and historical guides for the European elite and the diplomats of the 17th century. This volume, devoted to ancient Rome and edited by the Dutch humanist Petrus Scriverius, gathers reference texts by Renaissance scholars (Raphael Volaterranus, Fenestella, Floccus, Alciat, Lipsius) explaining the organization of the Roman Senate, the comitia, and the magistracies. The work shines with the typographic finesse characteristic of the Leiden house and with its very beautiful title-page engraved in copper. Condition Report: Precious copy preserved in its 17th-century original binding in full brown calf with an ornate golden frame. Boards bordered by double gilt fillets. Original spine with title engraved on the piece/leather ("REPUB. ROMANA"). Leather patinated, showing wear and cracking on the back and joints, corners slightly worn. Very sturdy binding, in perfect condition and fully authentic. Old restorations. Interior exceptionally pristine on Dutch laid paper of great whiteness and freshness. Complete with the architectural title engraved. The volumes of the Elzevirian Republics series were among the most coveted books of travelers and scholars of Baroque Europe. The miniature format was a remarkable printing feat: to fit all the Roman public law in the palm of the hand!

Estimate:£167.27

View all items fromCatawikiorBooks, Maps & Manuscripts