[Philo of Alexandria] “Φίλωνος Ιουδαίου Εξηγητικά Συγγράμματα εις τα του Μωϋσέως κοσμοποιητικά, ιστορικά και νομοθετικά / Philonis Iudaei Opera exegetica in libros Mosis, De mundi opificio ...”, Coloniae Allobrogum, 1613. Folio, pp. [10], 904, [24].

First edition of Philo’s complete works. Text in Greek with Latin translation in parallel columns, index & comments in Latin. Impressive engraved title page, elaborate woodcut head-pieces and tail piece and decorated initials. Philo was a Hellenistic Jewish philosopher who lived in Alexandria. Philo used philosophical allegory to harmonize Jewish scripture, mainly the Torah, with Greek philosophy. He believed that literal interpretations of the Hebrew Bible would stifle humanitys perception of a God too complex and marvelous to be understood in literal human terms. Some scholars hold that his concept of the Logos as Gods creative principle influenced early Christology.

Contemporary full leather, spine with raised bands and title in gilt. External wear along extremities joints and corners with small leather loss of the lower right corner of the front board. Prior owners bookplates to the front pastedown, “Ex Bibliotheca Seminarii S Ioannis”. Rare.