1538 – Works of Lucian of Samosata | Greco-Roman Mythology – Erasmus Translation

A rare, 16th-century edition of the works of Lucian of Samosata, a 2nd-century Greek satirist. Lucian wrote a variety of works including comedies, dialogues, essays, and commentaries. He discusses mythological figures such as Prometheus, Neptune, Hercules, Achilles, Zeus, Timon of Athens, Hermes, and others.

This 1538 first edition is notable for featuring the translation of numerous contributors most notably Thomas More, Philip Melanchthon, and Erasmus of Rotterdam.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Lvciani Samosatensis opera, qvae qvidem extant, omnia
• Author(s): Lucian of Samosata
• Contributor(s): translators – Erasmus Roterodamus; Philippus Melanthon Thomas Morus; Petrus Mosellanus; Bilibaldus Birckhaimerus; Anastasius; Vicentius Obsopoeus; Ioannes Sinapius; Martinus Bolerus; Ottomarus Luscinius; Ponticus Virunius; Iacobus Micyllus
• Publisher: Francoforti, Apud Christianum Egenolphum Hadamarium
• Edition: First edition, 1538.
• Binding: Vellum
• Format: Folio, single volume
• Size:  13.25 in x 9 in (34 cm x 23 cm)
• Collation: [6], 347, [1] leaves
• Illustrations:
• Contents Include:
  • Classical dialogues and satirical works
  • Mythological subjects including Prometheus and Zeus
  • Humanist Latin translations
• Provenance: copious hand-written notes in prelim and end paper blanks
• Reference(s): USTC 673738

Condition:

Good. Full vellum binding with clasps present and functional. Extensive worming throughout, especially at the endpapers. Rubbing visible at corners and edges. Structure is tight and secure.

Why Collect This?

• First edition Latin translation printed in 1538
• Contributions from Erasmus, Melanchthon, and Thomas More
• Folio format with original vellum and clasps

Item Number: #50357