Xenophontis Graecorum Res Gestae; et Agesilaeus, 1762; Xenophontis Expeditio Cyri, 1764; Xenophontis Institutio Cyri, 1767. Andrew Foulis, Glasgow.
A STUNNING SET OF THE WORKS OF XENOPHON IN ORIGINAL 18TH CENTURY FINE BINDINGS, INCLUDING RES GESTAE, AGESILAUS, THE EXPEDITION OF CYRUS, AND THE EDUCATION OF CYRUS.
Bilingual editions of the works of Xenophon in both Greek and Latin. These are very rare editions published in Glasgow by the famous publisher Andrew Foulis which are scarce to see the open market. The defining feature of this set however is clearly the incredibly attractive full calf bindings with intricate gilt detailing to the spines which are almost certainly original.
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Xenophontis Graecorum Res Gestae; et Agesilaeus (1762):
Published in 1762, this book includes two major works by Xenophon. The first is Res Gestae, which translates to The Affairs of the Greeks. It is a historical work that covers various events and political developments in ancient Greece. The second work included in this book is Agesilaus, a biography of Agesilaus II, the Spartan king. This biography provides insights into the life and military campaigns of Agesilaus.
Xenophontis Expeditio Cyri (1764):
Published in 1764, Expeditio Cyri or The Expedition of Cyrus is one of Xenophon's most well-known works. It narrates the journey of Cyrus the Younger, a Persian prince, and the subsequent retreat of his Greek mercenaries known as the Ten Thousand. Xenophon participated in this expedition and provides a first-hand account of the events, including battles, political intrigues, and the challenges faced by the Greek soldiers during their arduous retreat.
Xenophontis Institutio Cyri (1767):
Published in 1767, Institutio Cyri or The Education of Cyrus is a philosophical work by Xenophon. It presents an idealised account of the life and education of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Achaemenid Empire. The book explores various aspects of leadership, virtue, and governance, emphasising Cyrus's wisdom, justice, and military prowess. It is considered one of Xenophon's most influential works and has had a significant impact on political and philosophical thought throughout history.
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Provenance:
Bookplate of Sir John Trollope to front pastedown of each volume. He was the elder brother of General Sir Charles Trollope and the Right Reverend Edward Trollope and the second cousin of the novelist Anthony Trollope. He was educated at Eton and later served with the 10th Hussars, achieving the rank of captain.
This set sold as part of Christie's 20th November 1998 lot 67 which realised £2990 + premium (£6,750 inflation adjusted inc. premium).
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Size: 105 x 165 x 20 mm (approx., each)
Total shelf space is approx. 280 mm.
Condition:
Incredibly attractive on the shelf. Spines rubbed slightly but generally in very good condition and practically speaking, the best condition one will find such bindings in from the 18th century. Some minor shelf and edge wear. Some loss to tooled label of third volume of Cyri Institutio. All boards are securely attached with very minor rubbing to joints. Bindings are very strong. Boards are mostly near fine with the occasional light non-intrusive & superficial scratch. Top page edges dulled as typical. Preliminaries & endpapers with edge toning as commensurate with the calf binding. Bookplate of Sir John Trollope to each front pastedown. Text blocks are generally very bright and clean without foxing etc. Cyri Institut vol 2, and Rerum Graecor vols 1-4, bound without half titles else complete. Some page markers frayed at ends though not significantly, and some leaves with offsetting caused by the page marker in the gutter, only affecting two pages per volume. An excellent set and incredibly attractive.
