LACTANTIUS 1587 INSTITUTES VELLUM RENAISSANCE MANUSCRIPT TITLE LATIN CHRISTIAN

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Item: 304796164252

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Topic:Renaissance
Binding:Vellum
Special Attributes:Manuscript
Subject:History
Language:Latin

See Photos. Comes from an immaculately clean nonsmoking home. The book is measures 5″ x 3.25″ in good antiquarian condition. It is bound in limp vellum with yap edges, the bottom fore-edges front and back are worn away. The spine, which shows two raised bands, has a beautiful handwritten title with a flourish, the front cover has a smaller handwritten owner inscription (?) which appears to say “Di Baldassarre Santi”. The bottom edge has a hand-written title, as well. No front blank. Title page has an arabesque engraved border with some chipping and wear at the edges, an old repair. 785 [47] pp. Small but clear type, some moderate foxing, occasional light pencil tick marks, printer’s mark at rear. Some light occasional humidity stains. One quire is working loose and is proud at the fore-edge (but still holding). Corresponds to OCLC 33351580. Seller Lot #23007. Beautiful Vellum Example of Lactantius Over 425 Years OldDescription Divinarum institutionum lib. VII. De ira Dei lib. I. De opificio Dei lib. I.. Lugduni.: apud Ioannem Tornaesium, 1587. Roman Christian writer, Lactantius, received the highest of accolades when he was called the “Christian Cicero.” This collection from 1587 includes most of his works centered around his Institutes. It is primarily in Latin with some Greek. It includes Latin translations by Marcus Masurus of Greek phrases used in text, along with an extensive index.Among Lactantius’s extant works, the earliest is the “De Opificio Dei”, written in 303 or 304 during the Diocletian persecution, and dedicated to a former pupil, a rich Christian named Demetrianus. The apologetic principles underlying all the works of Lactantius are well set forth in this treatise, which may be considered as an introduction to his great work “The Divine Institutions” (Divinarum Institutionum Libri VII), written between 303 and 311. This the most important of all the writings of Lactantius is systematic as well as apologetic and was intended to point out the futility of paganbeliefs and to establish the reasonableness and truth of Christianity. It was the first attempt at a systematic exposition of Christian theology in Latin, and though aimed at certain pamphleteers who were aiding the persecutors by literary assaults on the Church, the work was planned on a scale sufficiently broad enough to silence all opponents. Another treatise, “De Ira Dei”, directed against the Stoics and Epicureans, is supplementary to the “Divine Institutions” (II, xvii,5) and deals with anthropomorphism in its true sense. The “Epitome Divinarium Institutionum”, made by Lactantius himself at the request of a friend named Pentadius, is much more than a mere abbreviation, rather a more summary treatment of the subject dealt with in the older work.Lactantius was born a pagan and in his early life taught rhetoric in his native place. At the request of Emperor Diocletian he became an official professor of rhetoric in Nicomedia. One of his poems (Hodoeporicum) is an account of his journey from Africa to his new home. It is probable that his conversion to Christianity did not take place until after his removal to Nicomedia. It seems clear, however, that he could not retain his position as public teacher after the publication of Diocletian’s first Edict against the Christians (24 February, 303). After his dismissal it was not easy to find pupils in that Greek city who would patronize a teacher of Latin, and he was in consequence reduced to such poverty that he at times lacked the necessities of life (St. Jerome, “Chron.”, ad. ann. abr. 2333). In those circumstances, he attempted to eke out a living by writing. The persecution impelled him to leave Nicomedia and from the outbreak of hostilities until perhaps 311 or 313 he had to find a home elsewhere. The friendship of the Emperor Constantine raised him from penury and though very old (extrema senectute) he was appointed tutor in Latin to the emperor’s son Crispus. Listed shipping costs are for the lower 48 (USA) states. For the Eastern US, there is a strong possibility that you will get it with 2 or 3 day shipping. We ship internationally and encourage buyers to use the eBay Global Shipping Program. If there is a difference between the item description and the photos, use the photos to resolve. Pictures are of the exact item(s) you will receive. Should you be moved to give positive feedback, expect thoughtful and kind positive feedback in return. Thanks for looking at our listing! Check out other vintage/antique items we have at http://stores.ebay.com/Suburbia-Harvest?_rdc=1.