One of Alexander the Great Earliest Biography in Historiae Philippicae- 1539 The only pre-Christian work of world history written in Latin

Alexander the great, Historiae Philippicae

First Edition

Historiae Philippicae. Justinus. Basileae: 1539. Measures 5.5 x 7.5 inches. 319 pages. Rebound in brown calfskin with gilt title card on spine. Text in Latin. Inscribed with original contemporary annotations. Marcus Junianus Justinus was a Roman historian and wrote here an abridgment of a longer work with the same title by Trogus Pompeius of which only the table of contents has survived. Trogus, a Roman historian who lived during Augustus, authored a 44-book history on the Macedonian monarchy from origin to decline, sometimes referred to as a universal history. Justinus's abridgement remains especially useful in the absence of the longer work for providing the history of the Mecedonian and Hellenistic kingdoms. Includes several maps of the region throughout. Justin's preface explains that he aimed to collect the most important and interesting passages of that work, which has since been lost. Some of Trogus' original arguments (prologi) are preserved in various other authors, such as Pliny the Elder. Trogus' main theme was the rise and history of Alexander, Philip, and the Macedonian Empire, and like him, The principal work was intended to cover human history from the beginning until the time of the Caesars, focused on Greece and her rulers, nations and peoples, and it was from this base that Justin created his Epitome, slimming it down by focusing on "whatever [parts] was most worthy of being known" and removing parts which " nor necessary by way of example", resulting in a work approximately one-sixth the length of the original. Justin permitted himself some freedom of digression, producing an idiosyncratic anthology rather than a strict epitome. Despite its altered nature, the work stands as an important piece of history, both as a connection to the sole pre-Christian work of world history written in Latin and as one of the sources on Alexanders achievements, and one of few written sources into several notable Hellenistic figures. Marginalia notes in old ink in latin on some margins on a few pages not affect text. Toning to pages. Textblock tight and clean. Bottom edge stamp of St. Bernard Institute. Overall very good condition.

Item #18395

Price: $1,450.00