Book Description

First edition thus. 2 parts in 1. 4to., pp. [lxxiv], 472; [ii], 473-824, [ccxxiv] + 18 plates (3 of which folding) including additional engraved title-page. Title-page in red and black with woodcut printer’s device, woodcut initials and tail-pieces. The catchword at the end of the dedication (T4) does not match the following leaf, as also found in other copies and seemingly due to the insertion of the Preface. Faintly foxed. Contemporary marbled calf, neatly rebacked with original spine retained, orange gilt title-label, gilt borders, gilt-stamped emblem of Haarlem to each board, edges coloured yellow, green cloth ties replaced, corners neatly repaired. Old spine piece worn but soundly rebacked, some scratches and scuffs to boards, a few whitish marks to top edge, endpapers a little toned at edges, very good overall. A few pencilled bookseller’s notes to front paste-down.
Dealer Notes
‘This is the celebrated quarto Variorum edition of Q. Curtius, by Snakenburg, which contains many valuable extracts from Bruno, Modius, Freinshem, and Cellarius. The text is formed according to the first edit. of Freinshem, from which it never departs but with the most scrupulous caution, and when warranted by a better reading. In compiling the work, Snakenburg consulted one good ancient MS, and two modern ones: but with the early editions of this author he appears to have been ill provided, as he consulted no edition more ancient than the Aldine. “This editor,” says Ernesti, “as is too often the case, undertook the publication more from the importunity of the bookseller, than from the conviction of being able to compose a useful work from previous study, and diligent accumulation of materials.” It must, however, be confessed that this edition of Snakenburg is a very valuable performance, and is deservedly held in high respect. Dr. Harwood has pronounced a warm eulogium upon it, and the editor is by him declared to have “manifested an accurate knowledge of ancient manners and customs”.’ (Dibdin)
Schweiger II, 323; Graesse II, 311; Brunet II, 450; Dibdin II, 376-77
Author Curtius Rufus, Quintus: (Snakenburg, Hendrik, ed.:)
Date 1724.
Publisher Delphis, & Lugd. Bat. [Delft & Leiden]: apud Adrianum Beman, Samuelem Luchtmans,

Friends of the PBFA

For £10 get free entry to our fairs, updates from the PBFA and more.

Please email info@pbfa.org for more information

Join PBFA

Membership of the PBFA is open to anyone who has been trading in antiquarian and second-hand books for a minimum of two years subject to certain criteria.

Email info@pbfa.org to find out more, or complete the enquiry form.

complete the form