1655 – Four Empires – John Sleidan | Persia, Greece, Holy Roman Empire, Rome

Johannes Sleidanus was a 16th-century historian who is best remembered for his commentary and analysis of the Protestant Reformation. He collected as all papers and manuscripts concerning the Reformation to which he had access (particularly those of Martin Luther) and edited them as part of his ‘Commentary on State, Religion, and Republic’. And while his contributions to the growth of popularity of the Reformation was his greatest work, he also published a book on the history of the world.

The Four Empires, also known as The Key of History, is a methodical history of four the most important kingdoms of the world – Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome. He describes important world events, beginning with Flood of Noah, through Roman emperors, the reign of Alexander the Great, and much more.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: I. Sleidani De quatuor summis imperiis libri tres
• Author(s): Johannes Sleidanus
• Publisher: Lugd. Batavorum, Ex Officina Elzeviriana
• Edition: 1655 edition.
• Binding: Full vellum
• Format: (16mo), single volume
• Size:  4.25 x 2.5 in (11 x 6 cm)
• Collation: 309, [27] pp
• Contents Include:
  • History of Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome
  • Biblical chronology including the Flood
  • Accounts of Alexander the Great
  • Succession of Roman emperors

Condition:

Near Fine. Full vellum binding tight and secure with no notable wear to corners or edges. Gilt remains visible on the spine. Pages clean with mild age toning.

Why Collect This?

• Elzevier press imprint from Leiden
• Suitable for collectors of classical and historical texts

Item Number: #50228