Dēmosthenous Logoi Eklektoi = Demosthenis Selectæ Orationes
by Demosthenes
| Demosthenous Logoi Eklektoi | ||
 at the College of William & Mary. |
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| Author | Demosthenes | |
| Editor | Richard Mounteney | |
| Published | Etonæ: apud Joseph. & Thomam Pote | |
| Date | 1755 | |
| Edition | Third | |
| Language | Greek and Latin | |
Demosthenes (384 – 322 BCE) was a prominent statesman and orator in Ancient Greece. During his time as a speech-writer Demosthenes developed an interest in politics; he went on to devote most of his career to opposing Macedon's expansion. He spoke out against both Philip II of Macedon and Alexander the Great.[1] Demosthenes played a leading role in his city's uprising against Alexander. The revolt was met with harsh reprisals and Demosthenes took his own life to prevent being arrested. Demosthenes' oratory works were highly influential during the Middle Ages and Renaissance,[2] and inspired the authors of The Federalist Papers and the major orators of the French Revolution.
Richard Mounteney (1707 – 1768), an English lawyer, Irish jurist, and classical scholar, first published a volume of select orations of Demosthenis in 1721; it became a favorite among university students and was reprinted in different editions until 1827.[3]
Evidence for Inclusion in Wythe's Library
The inventory of books Thomas Jefferson received upon George Wythe's death lists a copy of "Demosthenis orationes selectae. Mounteney. 8vo." on page eight. A copy of the 1755 edition believed to have belonged to Jefferson is at the Library of Congress, although it contains no evidence it was owned by Wythe.[4]
Description of the Wolf Law Library's copy
Bound in contemporary calf with blind rules and blind stamps to boards. Spine features raised bands and gilt-lettered label. Includes signature "Walden, 1756, September" on front pastedown. Signature also appears on front free endpaper, half-title and title. Rear pastedown includes signature and notes.
See also
References
- ↑ Œuvres Complettes de Démosthene et d'Eschine.
- ↑ Ian Worthington, Demosthenes: Statesman and Orator (London: Routledge, 2000).
- ↑ Alexander Chalmers, "Mounteney or Mountney, Richard," The General Biographical Dictionary, v. 22 (London: J. Nichols and Son, 1815), 486.
- ↑ E. Millicent Sowerby, comp., Catalogue of the Library of Thomas Jefferson (Washington, D.C.: The Library of Congress, 1952-1959), 5:22 [no. 4661].
