The Adventures of Numa Pompilius, Second King of Rome

A bilingual edition of de Florian's exciting biographical novel on the life of the legendary second King of Rome, Numa Pompilius. Illustrated with detailed plates throughout. Complete in four volumes. Volume I illustrated with a frontispiece, and three plates. Half-title is present. Collated, complete. Ribbon marker is intact. Volume II illustrated with three plates. Half-title is present. Collated, complete. Ribbon marker is intact. Volume III illustrated with three plates. Half-title is present. Collated, complete. Ribbon marker is intact. Volume IV illustrated with three plates. Collated, bound without half-title, otherwise complete with all plates present. Ribbon marker is intact. Each volume has text in French and English on alternate pages facing each other, with additional French title pages to each volume. ESTC citation number T165126. A fictional account of the life of the second King of Rome, Numa Pompilius, an epic novel. Numa Pompilius was a legendary King, succeeding Romulus after a one year interregnum, and is known as being the peaceful counterpart to Romulus. Pompilius was the second of seven kings who ruled Roman before founding the republic, as told by Roman tradition. He is said to have reigned from 715 to 673. Many of Rome's most important religious and political institutions are attributed to him. These include the Roman Calendar, the office of Pontifex Maximus, Vestal Virgins, the cult of Mars, the cult of Romulus, and the cult of Jupiter. This work is an undisguised imitation of Francois Fenelons 'The Adventures of Telemachus', which was published the century before this work. Written by Jean-Pierre Claris de Florian, a French poet and romance writer, who is best known today for his pretty fables for children. However during his life he was well known for his poetical and pastoral novels. He was a member of the Academie Francaise. Bookplate to the front pastedowns, 'Ernest Thomas'. In the original mottled calf binding. Externally, sound. Worming to the boards and spines, resulting in loss to the boards and spines, a little heavier to the front board of Volume II. Light bumping to the head and tail of the spines and to the extremities. Small cracks to the head and tail of the joints of Volumes I, and II, and to the front joint of Volume III, and both joints of Volume IV. Front hinge of Volume II is starting but firm. Front hinge of Volume III is starting but firm. Hinges of Volume IV are a little strained but remain firm. Bookplate to the front pastedowns. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are age-toned and generally clean. Good.…