Published by Robert Sara and Simeon Piget, Paris, 1654
Seller: El Sabio Books, Calgary, AB, Canada
A remarkable 17th-century sammelband, gathering together the complete works of Nicolas Bourbon (1574â"1644), the Paris professor of Greek eloquence and Interpres Regius (royal interpreter). This compilation includes Bourbonâs Poemata, Orationes, Epistolae (Paris: Robert Sara, 1633), his Latin translation and commentary on St. Cyril of Alexandriaâs Adversus Julianum (Paris: Robert Sara, 1633), further poetic appendices (Poëmatia exposita, Paris: 1633), and his posthumous Opera Omnia issued under Simeon Pigetâs press in 1654. Bourbonâs works display the polish of a humanist steeped in rhetoric, poetry, and theology. His rendering of St. Cyrilâs defense against Julian the Apostate gave renewed voice to the early Church Fathers in an age of Counter-Reformation debate, while his orations and verse circulated among scholars as models of elegant Latin. His dual role as royal interpreter underlined both his literary and political significance. The printers themselves add distinction: Robert Sara, active in Paris from the late 1620s, was associated with humanist and theological production, while Simeon Piget (active mid-17th century) was a respected publisher working under royal privilege. Together they embody the authority of Paris as a center of Catholic humanism. Bound in contemporary full vellum, this volume has matured into a deep, mottled brown, lending it the appearance of old leather while retaining the smooth, firm qualities of vellum. A handsome survival that captures the aesthetic of a true scholarâs library. Interior with expected age-toning, occasional inscriptions, and scattered foxing, but text crisp and complete throughout. Early ownership inscriptions to title-page, possibly clerical or scholarly hands, offering provenance interest. Very Good. Binding intact and attractive, vellum deeply patinated and stable. Interior complete, textblock toned but supple, printing crisp. Contemporary full darkened vellum, handsomely aged to a rich brown tone, boards slightly bowed, spine with traces of ink titling, structurally sound and appealing in hand Collected edition (sammelband) of separate Paris printings, 1633â"1654.