Auli Gellii Noctes Atticae. Editio nova et prioribus omnibus docti hominis cura multo castigatior. Amstelodami: Apud Ludovicum Elzevirium, 1651.
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The first appearance of the celebrated edition of Johann Friedrich Gronovius, one of the best seventeenth-century editors of classical texts. Commissioned by Louis Elzevir, this edition was issued without the editor’s name or notes, yet quickly achieved widespread recognition for the elegance and accuracy of its text. It served as the basis for the pirated edition published in the same year by Jansson.
The Noctes Atticae of Aulus Gellius, a miscellany of literary, grammatical, and antiquarian observations compiled in the second century, enjoyed popularity throughout the early modern period, and editions such as this demonstrate the high standards of Dutch scholarly printing at its height with a beautiful engraved title page to include a depiction of a household pet cat and early library globe.
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Size: 83 x 135 mm (approx.)
Condition:
Contemporary full vellum binding, some discolouration as typical, but an attractive copy externally, minor rubbing, some wear, structurally secure with both boards securely attached. Title in ink MS with 'Elzevir' written at foot, seemingly writing over another faded MS title. Internally bright and clean throughout and complete with the excellent engraved title page. No attached bookplates, ink inscription to ffep recto dated 1823, a few other pencil notes to endpapers, else a bright and clean copy.
