Adagiorum D. Erasmi Roterodami Epitome
by Desiderius Erasmus
| Adagiorum D. Erasmi Roterodami Epitome | |
 Title page from Adagiorum D. Erasmi Roterodami Epitome, George Wythe Collection, Wolf Law Library, College of William & Mary. | |
| Author | Desiderius Erasmus |
| Published | Amstelodami: Ex officina Elzeviriana, Sumptibus Societatis |
| Date | 1663 |
| Language | Latin |
| Pages | [24], 622, [72] |
| Desc. | 12 mo (14 cm.) |
| Location | Shelf L-4 |
Desiderius Erasmus (c. 1467-1536) was a scholar, writer, and humanist who contributed valuable religious translations and writings to sixteenth century thinkers. Erasmus studied at a number of schools throughout his life, including in the Netherlands, England, and France, and joined the Roman Catholic Church as a monk near the age of twenty. Erasmus continually traveled, studied, and wrote during his monastic years, gaining notice for his translation of the New Testament and opposition to Martin Luther,[1] even though he spoke out regarding the failings of the church and encouraged reform. Erasmus particularly deplored the “religious warfare” of the time and the cultural decline it produced within the church.[2]
During the Reformation period, both the Protestants and Roman Catholics used Erasmus’ writings in support or disapproval of church doctrine. Erasmus never sided with either religious group, but was influential on both sides.[3] Erasmus remained a part of the Roman Catholic Church until his death.
Erasmus collected Greek adages and first published them in 1500 as Adagiorum Collectanea. This short work of 818 adages formed the basis for Adagiorum Chiliades, first published in 1508 with 3,260 adages. Successive editions expanded the work, and the edition published in 1536, the year of Erasmus' death, included 4,151 adages.[4] One editor praised the Adages as "an extraordinary work of Renaissance erudition," explaining that "Erasmus gathers Greek and Latin sources for thousands of proverbs such as 'To have one foot in the grave', 'To be in the same boat', or 'To put the cart before the horse.'"[5] The sixteenth and seventeenth centuries witnessed the publication of a "range of epitomes",[6] or abridged versions, such as Adagiorum D. Erasmi Roterodami Epitome. In these, thousands of entries were either shortened or removed altogether. The concise editions, evidently approved by Erasmus, were intended as "quick guides to usage."[7]
Evidence for Inclusion in Wythe's Library
Wythe ordered "Erasmus's adages" from John Norton & Sons in a letter dated May 29, 1772. Records indicate the order was fulfilled.[8] "Erasmi Adagiorum epitome. p. f." is also listed in the Jefferson Inventory of Wythe's Library. This was one of the titles kept by Thomas Jefferson. He sold a copy of the 1663 edition of Adagiorum D. Erasmi Roterdami Epitome to the Library of Congress in 1815, and that copy still exists today. The volume has no definitive markings linking it to Wythe, however.[9] Both George Wythe's Library[10] on LibraryThing and the Brown Bibliography[11] include the 1663 edition at the Library of Congress as Wythe's copy. Barbara Dean also suggests this edition in her bibliographic memo,[12] but she does not link the Library of Congress copy to Wythe. Based on the sources, the Wolf Law Library purchased a copy of the 1663 edition.
Description of the Wolf Law Library's copy
Bound in full brown calf with tooled border lines on the front and back covers. Three raised bands to the spine with tooled surround lines and red speckled pages. Includes notes of a previous owner in Greek and Latin on the front free endpaper and its verso. The signature of "George Wheeler" 23 Oct. 1834" is also on the front free endpaper. Purchased from Abe Books.
Images of the library's copy of this book are available on Flickr. View the record for this book in William & Mary's online catalog.
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