Historiarum Mirabilium Auctores Graeci

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.

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.

Bibliographic Information

Author:

Title: Historiarum Mirabilium Auctores Graeci

Published: Lugduni Batavorum: Apud Abraham Elzevirium, 1622.

Edition:

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.

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

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