Lot 08007

[ΙΩΑΝΝΗΣ ΖΩΝΑΡΑΣ] HISTORIE DI GIOVANNI ZONARA – La Prima (Seconda e Terza) Parte, Consigliere Supremo & Capitano dellimperial guardia di Constantinopoli […] Tradotta da M. LODOVICO DOLCE, et nuovamente ristampata, & riscontrata co testi Greci, & migliorata da M. Agostino Ferentilli. Con una copiosa tavola di tutte le materie et casi notabili, che si contengono nella presente opera. In inetia, appresso Gabriel Giolito di Ferrari, 1570. Complete in 3/3 parts bound in 1 volume in-8vo (21cmx15cm), p. (18) 259 (1), (18) 291 (1), (18) 261 (3). With three engraved title pages of the Phoenix with the motto of the Giolitos “De la mia morte eterna vita io vivo”. Engraved initials, headbands and some images in text.Giovanni Zonara, one of most known Byzantine historian, canonist, lexicographer, hagiologist and poet. His world history, “Historical Epitome”, extending from the creation to 1118, provides valuable information on the 11th century. He lived in Byzantium at the end of the 11th and the beginning of the 12th century AD. The little information about his life is mainly drawn from his works. Historians assume that he was a high-ranking official (Great drungarios of Vigla and Protasekretis) during the reign of Alexios I Komnenos.Among other things, Zonaras commented on the Ecumenical and local Synods and the writings of the Fathers of the Church, while he also wrote two ecclesiastical texts of legal content. His most important work is the chronological “Historical Epitome”, which covers the period “from the conquest of the world” to the year 1118 and is considered one of the most complete works of its kind in the Greek language. Historians estimate that Zonaras recorded this work when, after the accession of John II Komnenos, he was exiled and became a monk. For the Compendium of Histories he drew on a multitude of sources, some of which, such as the Roman History of Dion Cassius, are preserved through Zonaras. The chronicle spread beyond the borders of Byzantium, as it was translated into Church Slavonic.

Half sheepskin binding with posterior corners, very good condition despite some wear to the corners and caps. Well preserved interior, several beautiful engravings in the text. Yellowed paper, handwritten notes.

Rare and Very Good copy.