1541 commentary on Ancient Greek politics by Guillaume Postel - with an early 17^th Century binding of Don Ramiro Nuñez de Guzmán, Duke of Medina de las Torres, Viceroy of Naples

“De Magistratibus Atheniensium liber, ad intelligendam non solum Graecorum”

“A book on the magistrates Athens, for the understanding not only of the Greeks”

1541 - 1^st edition - Published in Paris by Michael de Vascosan and Galliot du Pré

Small Quarto - complete - [6], 63, [1]

Guillaume Postel (1510 – 1581) was one of the foremost scholars of his day. Born in France, he was a skilled linguist, mastering Greek, Latin and Arabic and translating part of the Qur’an into Latin in 1543. A well regarded figure during the Renaissance, he played a key role in political contemporary thought. One of his strengths was bridging Eastern and Western thought and introducing Arabic texts to a European audience.

This work “De Magistratibus Atheniensium” describes the political structure of Athens and the role of Magistrates in Governance and law. Postel was particularly interested in how Greek philosophy could influence contemporary politics including Government and Law in Europe.

This copy is housed in a lovely Italianate style early 17^th century red morocco binding with a central coat of arms which likely represents a member of the Habsburg house. The Kingdoms of Castille (Castle), Leon (Lion), Aragon (vertical lines and Eagle ), Gibraltar (Pillar of Hercules) are represented in the coat of arms. The arms can be identified as those of Don Ramiro Nuñez de Guzmán (1600-1668), Duke of Medina de las Torres, Viceroy of Naples.

Condition: Some toning and marks to text. Binding with external wear and bumped corners. Split to lower 2 inches of spine but firm. Worming to top and bottom of spine with split to lower 2 inches of spine however remains firm. Lower headband lacking.

USTC 140156 – 1 copy in USA only