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☙ Histoire Universelle - Tome V
1770 - Une Société de Gens de Lettres
The Histoire Universelle translated from the English is one of the most ambitious publishing ventures of the 18th century. Originally conceived in England by a collective of scholars, it was translated and adapted into French under the direction of a society of men of letters,... ☞ Read more
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☙ Histoire Universelle - Tome V
✑ Une Société de Gens de Lettres
HISTOIRE UNIVERSELLE, DEPUIS LE COMMENCEMENT DU MONDE JUSQU'A PRESENT; TRADUITE DE L'ANGLOIS D'UNE SOCIÉTÉ DE GENS DE LETTRES. TOME CINQUIEME, CONTENANT L'HISTOIRE D'ACHE, D'ETOLIE, DEPUIS LA LIGUE DES ACHEENS JUSQU'À PRESENT; DES ETATS GRECS DANS L'ASIE MINEURE, DIONIE; DES ILES DE SICILE, DE CRETE, DE SAMOS, DE RHODES &C. JUSQU'AU TEMS OÙ ELLES FURENT ASSUJETTIES À L'EMPIRE ROMAIN; DE SICILE,
The Histoire Universelle translated from the English is one of the most ambitious publishing ventures of the 18th century. Originally conceived in England by a collective of scholars, it was translated and adapted into French under the direction of a society of men of letters, and published in 44 volumes between 1742 and 1802. This fifth tome, published in 1770, is devoted to essential chapters of ancient Greek history: the Achaean League, Aetolia, the Greek states of Asia Minor, Ionia, and the great islands of the eastern Mediterranean — Sicily, Crete, Samos, Rhodes — up to their subjugation by the Roman Empire. This work is part of the great encyclopaedic movement of the Enlightenment, which sought to gather, organise and disseminate the entirety of available historical knowledge. It is today a precious source for understanding how 18th-century scholars perceived and interpreted classical Antiquity, and represents a major bibliographical milestone for any collector interested in the history of historiography or in the book culture of the Enlightenment.
Why add it to your collection?
- An exceptional testament to French Enlightenment scholarship, offering an encyclopaedic synthesis of ancient history rarely surpassed
- - Volume dedicated to key regions of Greek Antiquity — Achaea, Aetolia, Ionia, Sicily, Rhodes — of particular interest to Hellenists and Mediterranean history enthusiasts
- - French translation of a major British collective work, illustrating the Franco-English intellectual exchanges of the 18th century
- - Part of a monumental 44-volume set, the complete assembly of which has become exceedingly rare on the antiquarian book market
- - A fine bibliophile object in its own right, with careful typography, period laid paper, and binding characteristic of 18th-century workshops
Description
Editorial Context The Histoire Universelle is the French translation of the Universal History, first published in London from 1736 by a group of anonymous authors including George Sale, George Psalmanazar, Archibald Bower, and other British scholars. The French version, considerably expanded and enriched, was published under the aegis of a society of men of letters, some of whose members remain unidentified. The 44-volume edition is considered the most complete and developed version of this transnational scholarly enterprise.
Contents of Volume V This fifth volume deals with the history of the Greek peoples and states occupying the periphery of the continental and insular Hellenic world. It covers in detail the Achaean League and the history of Aetolia from their peak to their disappearance under Roman pressure. Considerable space is given to the Greek states of Asia Minor and Ionia, the cradle of ancient philosophy and science. The great islands — Sicily, Crete, Samos, Rhodes — are also treated carefully, from their period of independence through to their integration into the Roman sphere of influence. This thematic and geographical plan, characteristic of the entire series, allows both a chronological and regional reading of ancient history.
Bibliophilic Interest Individual volumes of the Histoire Universelle are relatively rare on the market, and more so when they retain a period binding in good condition. The typography, produced to the standards of 18th-century French printing, is clear and legible, with careful use of roman and italic typefaces. The laid paper, slightly yellowed with age but without excessive foxing, attests to the quality of materials used by the printing workshops of the era. Chapter headings and ornamental drop capitals contribute to the visual elegance of the work.
For the Collector To acquire this volume is to possess a fragment of a complete work representing one of the most important historical summations produced by Enlightenment Europe. Whether intended to complement an already-begun set or to serve as the starting point of a thematic collection around ancient Greek history or 18th-century publishing, this Volume V offers undeniable documentary, aesthetic and heritage value.
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- Year
- ❧ 1770
- Century
- ❧ XVIII
- Author
- Une Société de Gens de Lettres
- Publisher
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- Arkstée et Merkus, Amsterdam & Leipzig
- Ref #
- HUF-517
- Dimensions
- 105 mm • 205 mm • 35 mm
- Weight
- 480 gram
- Condition
- *** Good
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