First Bilingual Edition of Photios' Myriobiblon

Myriobiblon e Bibliotheke [Greek title] ... Graece edidit David Hoeschelius ... Latine vero redidit et scholiis auxit Andreas Schottus

This book is the second overall and the first bilingual edition of the Myriobiblon, combining David Hosechel’s recension of the original Greek text (1601) with Andreas Schott’s 1606 Latin translation. Read more

A powerful and capable statesman and churchman, Photios, a 9th century Patriarch of Constantinople, was also at the centre of intellectual life in the Byzantine capital. His Bibliotheca or Myrobiblon, supposedly written just before Photios undertook a dangerous diplomatic mission and dedicated to his brother Tarasius as a consolation in case he should fail to return, is an account of some 280 books read and reviewed, many of them classical works which have since been lost and for which this is the most important surviving record. Reynolds and Wilson credit him with inventing the book review.

Condition & Materials

Folio in 6s, pp. [xxxii], cols. 1624, 104, ff. [xii]. Title page printed in red and black, large woodcut olive-tree title device (Schreiber 34), woodcut head- and tailpieces and initials, Greek and Latin text in double column, some spotting and browning at intervals, largely due to paper quality later sheep, circa 1700, minor wear (abrasions to covers, and wear to headcaps). A couple of ink library stamps (St Patrick’s Collge, Maynooth).  Ownership inscription of Antoine Pericaud (probably the Lyons-based antiquary, author and translator, 1782-1867). Engraved armorial bookplate to verso of title.

References

Scribes and Scholars, third ed. p. 62

Renouard, Annales de l'imprimerie des Estienne, 197, no.21 (also noting copies dated 1611; further copies traced dated 1613)

Schreiber, The Estiennes, 275 Read less