[Plato] ARISTOPHRON Panagiotis / ΑΡΙΣΤΟΦΡΩΝ Παναγιώτης, FRAZER Elizabeth (ill.), “Platos Academy: the birth of the idea of its rediscovery”, Oxford University Press, London: Humphrey Milford, 1938. Folio, pp.85. Deluxe edition of the work published for the first time by the author in 1933 in Greek. It records Aristophron’s faith in the study of Plato as the main hope of enlightenment for the modern world. In 1929 the architect Panagiotis Aristophron, a Greek of Egypt and great admirer of Plato donated a large amount of his personal wealth to the archaeological research of the Academy and the expropriation of private property. His project included also the foundation of an international cultural centre, the so-called “Koinon of Academies and Universities”. The excavations, under the supervision of archaeologist Konstantinos Kourouniotis in cooperation with the Academy of Athens, continued until 1940, when the Second World War interrupted the field research. Aristophron, the inspirer of the archaeological work in the Academy, passed away in 1944, leaving his project unaccomplished. The text is adorned with 13 full-page designs prepared by the Canadian graphic artist and book illustrator Elizabeth Fraser. Also Fraser’s designs illustrate both pastedown & free endpapers. Although her name does not appear in the book, the drawings are marked by her initials “EF”. The main symbolical feature of the designs is the swan. All printed in thick deluxe paper. Original publisher’s binding bearing a design of a swan and the inscription “…ΨΥΧΗΣ ΔΕ ΠΛΑΤΩΝ” in gilt on front board. Very Fine. All Aristophron’s editions are considered Very Rare. The current edition seems to have a very small print-run. VERY RARE.