Amstelodami, from the Elzevir Press, Year 1656.
2 volumes 4to. T. I: (8) ff. including the engraved title, 716 pp., T. II (dated 1655): 536 pp., (22) ff. of index. Blue morocco, emblem of the Golden Fleece at the corners, in the center, and repeated four times on the spine, red morocco doublures, golden interior dentelle, golden fleece at the center, gilt edges on marbling. Binding by Boyet, active under the reign of Louis XIV.
235 x 167 mm.
“Beautiful edition, whose text is based on those of Turnière and Estienne.” Brunet III, column 272. Edition in Greek, accompanied by the Latin translation.
“The greatest accomplishment of Greek civilization remains this, that Homer became Panhellenic so early. All the intellectual and human freedom achieved by the Greeks comes back to this fact… From time to time, a protest against Homer rose from the depth of Hellenism’s core; but he always remained victorious. All great spiritual powers have, alongside their liberating influence, another depressing influence; but, in truth, it makes a difference whether it is Homer, the Bible, or Science that tyrannizes humans!” Nietzsche.“Write the name of Homer at the top of a paper. It is the greatest name, my child. The gods would be nothing, and not just the gods, but humans too, if he had not sung of them… Nothing is as pure as Homer… He is the greatest. He is the oldest. He is the patron. He is the father. He is the master of everything. And especially, he is the master of the greatest thing ever in the world, which is the familiar.” Charles Péguy. Magnificent copy specially bound by Boyet for Hilaire-Bernard de Roqueleyne, Baron de Longepierre,
“Longepierre (1659-1721) distinguished himself so much from his classmates in classical studies that Baillet placed him among the Famous Children. He composed, as is known, several tragedies, all of which, except his ‘Médée’, ended tragically. The success of his ‘Médée’ led him to want no other heraldic signs on his books than the Golden Fleece.
The love of books perhaps contributed more to his notoriety than his plays. The dramatic author is almost forgotten today, whereas the bibliophile has remained in high repute among enthusiasts.” (J. Guigard. New Armorial of the Bibliophile. Paris, 1890).
This copy was sold for 200,000 FF (30,500 €) on June 5, 1988, 34 years ago (Ref. Precious books, no. 83).
Ancient handwritten ex-libris on the title and engraved ex-libris on the back of C.L. Robert Jardel.
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