Macrobii Ambrosii Aurelii Theodosii, viri Consularis, et Illustris, In Somnium Scipionis, Lib. II. Saturnaliorum, Lib. VII. Ex variis, ac vetustissimis codicibus recogniti, et aucti. Venetiis: Joan Gryphius, [1560].
The Works of Macrobius Ambrosius Aurelius Theodosius, a man of consular rank and distinction: Two Books on the Dream of Scipio; Seven Books of the Saturnalia, revised and enlarged from various and very ancient manuscripts. Venice: Joannes Gryphius, [1560].
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A phenomenal book, very scarcely encountered, complete with the beautiful astrological/occult woodcuts and the engraved map of the world. Though undated to the title page and colophon, this imprint can be dated to 1560 (see VD16 reference below).
This book contains Macrobius' commentary on Cicero's Dream of Scipio which explores the nature and immortality of the soul, the structure of the cosmos, and what happens to the soul after death, including the idea of the soul's ascent through planetary spheres which became very influential in occultic thought concerning macrocosm/microcosm. It also contains his work entitled 'Saturnalia' which is a Pagan dialogue on many interesting topics set during a Roman festival, it discusses ancient Roman religious festivals, theories of dreams, cosmology, literary criticism (especially of Virgil), and other interesting topics.
Macrobius approaches many elements later associated with the occult, zodiac, and astrology. He approaches these ideas more philosophically rather than esoterically or magically as later writers did, indeed, many later writers interpreted him as a proto-occultist.
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Size: 108 x 156 mm (approx.)
Condition:
[(1), a-z8, A-M8, N4, A-D8]
Full limp vellum, title attractively written to spine contemporaneously to the binding. Binding secure, though very slightly detached from page block at rear hinge, remaining secure. Collates as complete. Some neat contemporary marginalia to the first quire and then sporadically to a few places throughout, probably in the hand of the former owner who signs their name at the foot of the title page, Andrea Particelli, possibly a relation of Michel Particelli d'Emery, a French Politician of the early to mid 17th century. Minor loss to foot of title leaf. Generally exceptionally bright and clean throughout, a few small holes to the final leaf of the Index.
An excellent copy of this attractively illustrated book, including the world map.
[USTC 839416; VD16 CNCE 35280].
