De contemptu mortis libri IV.
Ad nobilissimum amplissimumque virum Ianvm Rutgersium.
Leiden, Ex Officinâ Elzeviriana, 1621 Stock Code: 137321
Notes
First edition of the noted Dutch scholar Daniel Heinsius's (1580-1655) last major work of poetry, a didactic espousal of a stoical contempt for, rather than fear of, death. Willems writes that in its time the poem enjoyed a great vogue, and it was translated into Dutch by Jacques van Zevecote. A classical scholar of great renown (he was a professor at Leiden University), Heinsius also worked on the text of the Elzevirs' edition of the Greek New Testament, published a few years later. This volume is from the Elzevirian collection of the polymath Edward Heron-Allen, with his bookplate to the front free endpaper. Heron-Allen is best remembered for his translation of the works of Omar Khayyam, a much more literal rendering than Edward Fitzgerald's great, yet loose, translation.Description
Duodecimo (134 x 80 mm). 18th-century red morocco, black calf label, spine gilt to compartments with floral tools, covers panelled in gilt, marbled endpapers, gilt edges.
Condition
With the 20th-century bookplate of Robert J. Hayhurst, Lancashire, retail chemist and discerning bibliophile, to front pastedown. Minor 19th-century jottings to front free endpaper verso and facing blank, early inscription to title page in Dutch, numerous 17th or 18th-century manicules in the margins, note of date 27 March 1770 to final page. Very minor rubbing at extremities yet binding otherwise in excellent condition, title page a little soiled, slight creasing to first few pages, contents slightly toned, tiny chip with loss to pagination pp. 57/58. An attractive copy.
DELIVERY
With the exception of framed items*, Peter Harrington offers free delivery on all UK orders of rare books, maps and prints placed through this website. Delivery to USA and the rest of the world is similarly free for orders over £200.
ABOUT US
Established in 1969, Peter Harrington is one of the leading rare book firms in the world. It is a proud member of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association – along with ILAB, the PBFA and Lapada – and from shops in Mayfair and Chelsea, London, sells rare books, prints and ephemera to customers across the world.
Email: mail@peterharrington.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)20 7591 0220
