Historiarum Mirabilium Auctores Graeci

Historiarum Mirabilium Auctores Graeci
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 {{{shelf}}}]]
	[[Shelf {{{shelf2}}}]]

In this 1622 volume, Dutch classical scholar Johannes Meursius compiled selected works of Greek authors, Antigonus of Carystus (flourished 3rd century BCE), Apollonius Dyscolus (flourished around 130 CE), and Phlegon of Tralles (lived 2nd century AD). 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), 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 that is known now 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.

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.

Evidence for Inclusion in Wythe's Library

Included in the Brown Bibliography based on an exchange of letters between Wythe and Thomas Jefferson. 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.

View this book in William & Mary's online catalog.

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