Difference between revisions of "Historiarum Mirabilium Auctores Graeci"

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{{DISPLAYTITLE:''Historiarum Mirabilium Auctores Graeci''}}
 
{{DISPLAYTITLE:''Historiarum Mirabilium Auctores Graeci''}}
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This 1622 published book (titled ''Historical Wonders of Greek Authors'') is a compilation of historical works of select Greek authors by the Dutch classical scholar Johannes Meursius.  Each work is transcribed in Greek on one page and translated into Latin on the adjacent page so both can be seen when open. The book was published in the town of Lugundi Batavorum (or Lugundum Batavorum) which was a Roman outpost also known as the Brittenburg in the Netherlands.  This outpost “was a naval base and fortified military granary at the estuary of the river Rhine.”  It was historically associated with the well-known Dutch city of Leiden, though now that is known to be an incorrect association.  The ruins of the settlement became visible on the beach in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, and were committed to perpetuity though drawings and maps.  The only other information we have about the Roman base is from stories of Emporor Caligula’s biographer Suetonius. <ref>[http://www.livius.org/ga-gh/germania/lugdunum.html “Lugdunum (Brittenburg)”] Jona Lendering in ''Livius Articles on Ancient History'' (accessed September 23, 2013).</ref><br/>
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|imagename=HistoriarumMirabilium1622.jpg
<br/>Meursius begins the work with a dedication or introduction which leads into the transcriptions and translations of ''Apollonii Discoli'', ''Antigoni Carystii'', and ''Phlegoritis Tralliani''. The title page notes that the works are reviewed by Meursius, some are commented on by him and some have notes added. There are several indexes throughout the book to guide readers to specific topics in the preceding reading.
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|link=https://wm.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01COWM_INST/1tc7lat/alma991017600539703196
 
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|shorttitle=Historiarum Mirabilium Auctores Graeci
==Bibliographic Information==
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|editor=Johannes Meursius
'''Author:'''
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|publoc=Lugduni Batavorum
 
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|publisher=Apud Abraham Elzevirium
'''Title:''' Historiarum Mirabilium Auctores Graeci
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|year=1622
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|lang=Greek and Latin
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|pages=[20], 174, [10], 210, [10], 190
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|desc=4to (20 cm.)
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|shelf=H-1
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}}In this 1622 volume of parallel Greek and Latin translations,  Dutch classical scholar [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johannes_Meursius Johannes Meursius] compiled selected works of three Greek authors. [[wikipedia: Antigonus of Carystus| Antigonus of Carystus]] flourished in the 3rd century BCE and wrote on various subjects including biography and art history.<ref>Frank William Walbank and Andrew F. Stewart, [https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/acref/9780199545568.001.0001/acref-9780199545568-e-493?rskey=ScWX8m&result=2 "Antigonus"], in ''Oxford Classical Dictionary'' (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2012), accessed April 8, 2024.</ref> Only fragments remain of his main work, ''Lives of Philosophers'', but his ''Collection of Wonderful Tales'' survives in the writings of Aristotle and Callimachus.<ref>[https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/1911_Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Britannica/Antigonus_of_Carystus "Antigonus of Carystus"], in ''Encyclopaedia Britannica'', 11th ed., ed. by Hugh Chisholm (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1911) 2:125-126, accessed April 8, 2024.</ref> Little is known of the life of [[wikipedia: Apollonius Dyscolus| Apollonius Dyscolus]] who flourished around 130 CE. Considered the founder of scientific grammar, he wrote primarily on syntax.<ref>[https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/1911_Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Britannica/Apollonius_(the_Surly) "Apollonius (the Surly)"], in ''Encyclopaedia Britannica'', 11th ed., ed. by Hugh Chisholm (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1911) 2:186, accessed April 8, 2024.</ref> Only four of his 20 works survive.<ref> Peter Barr Reid Forbes, Robert Browning, and Nigel Wilson, [https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780199381135.013.614 "Apollonius"], in ''Oxford Classical Dictionary'' (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2015), accessed April 8, 2024.</ref>
  
'''Published:''' Lugduni Batavorum: Apud Abraham Elzevirium, 1622.  
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[[wikipedia: Phlegon of Tralles| Phlegon of Tralles]], a freedman of Hadrian, lived in the 2nd century AD.<ref>Kenneth S. Sacks, [https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780199381135.013.5030 "Phlegon"], in ''Oxford Classical Dictionary'' (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2016), accessed April 8, 2024.</ref> Only fragments survive of his main work, ''Olympiads'', but two smaller works are also extant. ''On Marvels'' presents "some ridiculous stories about ghosts, prophecies and monstrous births,"<ref>[https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/1911_Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Britannica/Phlegon "Phlegon"], in ''Encyclopaedia Britannica'', 11th ed., ed. by Hugh Chisholm (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1911) 21:447, accessed April 8, 2024.</ref> while ''On Long-lived Persons'' compiles a list of Italians who lived to be over 100 years old.<ref>Ibid.</ref>
  
'''Edition:'''
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''Historiarum Mirabilium Auctores Graeci'' presents the surviving fragments of Apolloinus's grammatical works, the ''Collection of Wonderful Tales'' by Antigonus, and Phlegon's ''On Marvels'', ''On Long-lived Persons'' as well as fragments of ''Olympiads''. Meursius includes separately paginated sections for each of the authors. These sections include one or more commentaries by the editor as well as an index.
  
 
==Evidence for Inclusion in Wythe's Library==
 
==Evidence for Inclusion in Wythe's Library==
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Included in the [https://digitalarchive.wm.edu/handle/10288/13433 Brown Bibliography] based on an exchange of letters between [[George Wythe]] and [[Thomas Jefferson]].<ref>Bennie Brown, "The Library of George Wythe of Williamsburg and Richmond," (unpublished manuscript, May, 2012) Microsoft Word file. Earlier edition available at: https://digitalarchive.wm.edu/handle/10288/13433</ref> On April 22, 1790, Wythe [[Wythe to Thomas Jefferson, 22 April 1790|wrote]] to Jefferson, "I have not been able, after long inquiry, to obtain the writings of Phlegon mentioned by Ferguson in his tables and tracts." Jefferson [[Thomas Jefferson to Wythe, 13 June 1790|replied]] on June 13, 1790, "The best edition of these fragments of Phlegon is that given by Meursius at Leyden in 1622. In 4to. Gr. & Lat. with notes." Jefferson reference is to ''Historiarum Mirabilium Auctores Graeci'', compiled and edited by Johannes Meursius. According to Brown, Jefferson never owned a copy of this edition and he did not inherit one from Wythe. We cannot be entirely certain that Wythe successfully obtained this volume. However, given his strong interest in Greek authors and his documented search for it, the Wolf Law Library purchased a copy of ''Historiarum Mirabilium Auctores Graeci'' as suggested by Jefferson.
  
 
==Description of the Wolf Law Library's copy==
 
==Description of the Wolf Law Library's copy==
Bound in eighteenth century crushed morocco, smooth spine, divided into six panels by gilt chain link device. Title in gilt to second panel, remaining panels with central gilt lozenge, covers with triple fillet border, gilt rol to edges and inner dentelles. Title in red and black,parallel and interspersed Latin and Greek text. Purchased from Temple Rare Books.  
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Bound in eighteenth century crushed morocco, smooth spine, divided into six panels by gilt chain link device. Title in gilt to second panel, remaining panels with central gilt lozenge, covers with triple fillet border, gilt roll to edges and inner dentelles. The printer's device has been excised from the title page and replaced with a window-mounted manuscript detailing the contents. Purchased from Temple Rare Books.  
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Images of the library's copy of this book are [https://www.flickr.com/photos/wolflawlibrary/albums/72157637633374663/ available on Flickr.] View this book in [https://wm.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01COWM_INST/1tc7lat/alma991017600539703196 William & Mary's online catalog.]
  
View this book in [https://catalog.swem.wm.edu/law/Record/3473407 William & Mary's online catalog.]
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==See also==
==External Links==
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*[[Wythe to Thomas Jefferson, 22 April 1790]]
[http://books.google.com/books?id=7fBDAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=Historiarum+Mirabilium+Auctores+Graeci&hl=en&sa=X&ei=GO3eUZiCL7a54APC-IHoDQ&ved=0CC8Q6AEwAA Google Books]
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*[[Thomas Jefferson to Wythe, 13 June 1790]]
  
===References===
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==References==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
  
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==External Links==
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Read this book in [http://books.google.com/books?id=7fBDAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover Google Books].
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[[Category:Ancient History]]
 
[[Category:Ancient History]]
 
[[Category:George Wythe Collection at William & Mary's Wolf Law Library]]
 
[[Category:George Wythe Collection at William & Mary's Wolf Law Library]]
 
[[Category:Titles in Wythe's Library]]
 
[[Category:Titles in Wythe's Library]]

Latest revision as of 13:12, 8 April 2024

Historiarum Mirabilium Auctores Graeci
HistoriarumMirabilium1622.jpg

Title page from Historiarum Mirabilium Auctores Graeci, George Wythe Collection, Wolf Law Library, College of William & Mary.

Author {{{author}}}
Editor Johannes Meursius
Translator {{{trans}}}
Published Lugduni Batavorum: Apud Abraham Elzevirium
Date 1622
Edition {{{edition}}}
Language Greek and Latin
Volumes {{{set}}} volume set
Pages [20], 174, [10], 210, [10], 190
Desc. 4to (20 cm.)
Location Shelf H-1
  [[Shelf {{{shelf2}}}]]

In this 1622 volume of parallel Greek and Latin translations, Dutch classical scholar Johannes Meursius compiled selected works of three Greek authors. Antigonus of Carystus flourished in the 3rd century BCE and wrote on various subjects including biography and art history.[1] Only fragments remain of his main work, Lives of Philosophers, but his Collection of Wonderful Tales survives in the writings of Aristotle and Callimachus.[2] Little is known of the life of Apollonius Dyscolus who flourished around 130 CE. Considered the founder of scientific grammar, he wrote primarily on syntax.[3] Only four of his 20 works survive.[4]

Phlegon of Tralles, a freedman of Hadrian, lived in the 2nd century AD.[5] Only fragments survive of his main work, Olympiads, but two smaller works are also extant. On Marvels presents "some ridiculous stories about ghosts, prophecies and monstrous births,"[6] while On Long-lived Persons compiles a list of Italians who lived to be over 100 years old.[7]

Historiarum Mirabilium Auctores Graeci presents the surviving fragments of Apolloinus's grammatical works, the Collection of Wonderful Tales by Antigonus, and Phlegon's On Marvels, On Long-lived Persons as well as fragments of Olympiads. Meursius includes separately paginated sections for each of the authors. These sections include one or more commentaries by the editor as well as an index.

Evidence for Inclusion in Wythe's Library

Included in the Brown Bibliography based on an exchange of letters between George Wythe and Thomas Jefferson.[8] On April 22, 1790, Wythe wrote to Jefferson, "I have not been able, after long inquiry, to obtain the writings of Phlegon mentioned by Ferguson in his tables and tracts." Jefferson replied on June 13, 1790, "The best edition of these fragments of Phlegon is that given by Meursius at Leyden in 1622. In 4to. Gr. & Lat. with notes." Jefferson reference is to Historiarum Mirabilium Auctores Graeci, compiled and edited by Johannes Meursius. According to Brown, Jefferson never owned a copy of this edition and he did not inherit one from Wythe. We cannot be entirely certain that Wythe successfully obtained this volume. However, given his strong interest in Greek authors and his documented search for it, the Wolf Law Library purchased a copy of Historiarum Mirabilium Auctores Graeci as suggested by Jefferson.

Description of the Wolf Law Library's copy

Bound in eighteenth century crushed morocco, smooth spine, divided into six panels by gilt chain link device. Title in gilt to second panel, remaining panels with central gilt lozenge, covers with triple fillet border, gilt roll to edges and inner dentelles. The printer's device has been excised from the title page and replaced with a window-mounted manuscript detailing the contents. Purchased from Temple Rare Books.

Images of the library's copy of this book are available on Flickr. View this book in William & Mary's online catalog.

See also

References

  1. Frank William Walbank and Andrew F. Stewart, "Antigonus", in Oxford Classical Dictionary (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2012), accessed April 8, 2024.
  2. "Antigonus of Carystus", in Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th ed., ed. by Hugh Chisholm (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1911) 2:125-126, accessed April 8, 2024.
  3. "Apollonius (the Surly)", in Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th ed., ed. by Hugh Chisholm (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1911) 2:186, accessed April 8, 2024.
  4. Peter Barr Reid Forbes, Robert Browning, and Nigel Wilson, "Apollonius", in Oxford Classical Dictionary (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2015), accessed April 8, 2024.
  5. Kenneth S. Sacks, "Phlegon", in Oxford Classical Dictionary (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2016), accessed April 8, 2024.
  6. "Phlegon", in Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th ed., ed. by Hugh Chisholm (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1911) 21:447, accessed April 8, 2024.
  7. Ibid.
  8. Bennie Brown, "The Library of George Wythe of Williamsburg and Richmond," (unpublished manuscript, May, 2012) Microsoft Word file. Earlier edition available at: https://digitalarchive.wm.edu/handle/10288/13433

External Links

Read this book in Google Books.