1664 – Alexander the Great – Quintus Curtius Rufus | Latin, Maps, Greek History

This famous and important work by Quintus Curtius Rufus was inspired by the celebrated Macedonian ruler Alexander the Great and was written, more than likely, during the reign of Caligula in Rome. The style of Quintus Curtius’s writing was directly in line with Livy, whose work on the people of Rome greatly influenced the writing of “Histories of Alexander the Great” Curtius describes the strange and mysterious things that Alexander the Great encounters on his military expedition and does so with great historical acumen. This book, along with Livy and Tacitus, should always be considered part of the canon of ancient world texts.

This 1664 Elzevier edition of the famed history of Alexander the Great was edited by Cornelius Schrevel. Schrevel editions are known to be highly popular and desirable Latin editions. It also includes an impressive, folding map of Alexander’s conquests through Egypt and Asia which certainly contribute to Willems’ description of it – “beautifully executed”.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Q. Curtii Rufi Historia Alexandri Magni. Cum notis selectiss. variorum, Raderi, Freinshemii, Loccenii, Blancardi &c. Editio accuratissima.
• Author(s): Quintus Curtius Rufus
• Contributor(s): Cornelius Schrevel (editor)
• Publisher: Amstelodami : Ex officina Elseviriana
• Edition: 1664
• Format: (8vo), single volume
• Binding: Original full leather
• Size:  7.5in X 5in (19cm x 13cm)
• Collation: 93, [47], 751, [1]
• References: Willems 1325; Dibdin 375

• Illustrations: Includes large folding map, often lacking

• Contents Include:
  • Editorial notes by Cornelius Schrevel
  • Campaigns of Alexander the Great
  • Encounters across the Persian Empire

Condition:

Very Good. Bound in leather, the volume retain secure bindings with strong text blocks. The plates are complete, paper shows typical toning for the period, and the overall presentation is clean and well preserved.

Why Collect This?

• Important source on Alexander the Great
• Retains original folding map, often lacking

Item Number: # 50404