Progymnasmata graecae literaturae ab Ottomaro Luscinto.

LUSCINIUS, OTTMAR (1478-1537)

Published by Strasbourg: Johannes Knobloch, 1523

A later edition (the first published in 1517) of an early Greek primer by the Northern Renaissance humanist Ottmar Luscinius, also known by his alternate surname Nachtgall. Luscinius, who studied Greek in Paris, and traveled to Greece and Asia Minor, was an enthusiastic promoter of the Greek language in Strasbourg, where he taught. The book offered here is a fine example of his wide-ranging influence, as it bears two ownership signatures of previous owners from the Great Britain. On the verso of the title-page are two ownership inscriptions by John Harris of Scotland (Joannis Harrryse Scoti) dated 1561 and 1563. On the colophon are two undated signatures by one John Jeane (Johannes Jeane), presumably also from Great Britain. The influence of Greek in Great Britain has been widely documented and such luminaries as Linacre and Thomas More encouraged reading Greek literature in the original language. As book found its way to Britain at a fairly early date, it is stands as an interesting artifact of the appeal of learning Greek to a British audience. 8vo (17 x 10.5cm), [xxvi], 87pp., [xxvii]. Long dedicatory letter precedes work and mentions Erasmus and Melanchthon among others. Presumably the letter was not in the first edition as it is dated March of 1521. Several Latin notations in antique hand in the margins between pages 64 and 81. Lovely colophon on last leaf. Title-page and a few leaves with some soiling and/or light browning. Bound in later quarter calf over marbled calf covers. Light wear. [FIRST EDITION: VD 16, N 30; Proctor 1073; Benzing 1073; Schmidt 138]. Seller Inventory # ABE-1710380878932

Bibliographic Details

Title: Progymnasmata graecae literaturae ab ...
Publisher: Strasbourg: Johannes Knobloch
Publication Date: 1523
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Very Good