[AΦΘΟΝΙΟΣ] APHTHONII PROGYMNASMATA, a Rodolpho Agricola partim, partim à Johanne Maria Catanæo, Latinitate donata. Cum scholiis R. Lorichii, […] editione novissima, & emendatissima adornatum opus. Cum indice locupletissimo”, Amstelodami, Apud Johannem Janssonium, MDCLVII (1657). In 16mo, p. 445+[14 – Index]. With engraved full-page frontispiece and title vignette. Aphthonius of Antioch (Ἀφθόνιος Ἀντιοχεὺς ὁ Σύρος) was a Greek sophist and rhetorician, who lived at the end of the 3rd and the beginning of the 4th century AD. Ηe was a student or friend of Lebanius. Of his many works, which have as their subject almost exclusively Rhetoric, "Progymnasmata" and "Myths", similar to the Myths of Aesop, have survived. "Progymnasmata" were exercises for the composition of myths, short stories, etc., for the use of young people before they entered regular schools of rhetoric, while in medieval times they were used in schools as a textbook. Aphthonius style is pure and simple, and ancient critics praise his "Atticism." The book maintained its popularity as late as the 17th century, especially in Germany. Contemporary luxurious binding, full vellum bound, gold fillet and ornaments on both boards; title, date and sophisticated grid in gilt over spine; age wear, slight rubbing and bumping. Marbled end papers, ex libris stamp on front back paper. Untrimmed pages, with light foxing, otherwise clean and tight. RARE and Good copy.