Lot 08032

Πολύαινος ο ρήτορας, «ΠΟΛΥΑΙΝΟΥ Στρατηγημάτων βίβλοι οκτώ. Polyaeni Strategematum Libri Octo», Lugduni Batavorum, 1690. 8vo, [20], 767 (missing pages 769-832) + index [38]. Beautifully engraved frontispiece.

Although the original edition does not include any engraving except the engr. title page, the current copy was enriched by the time of its initial binding with one folding plan and two folding maps, all taken from the “Τέχνη Τακτική, Έκταξις κατά Αλανών, Περίπλους Πόντου Ευξείνου, Περίπλους Ερυθράς Θαλάσσης, Κυνηγετικός…  /  Ariani ars tactica…” (1683 or 1750 edition). The folding maps are the following:

“Erythraei Sive Rubri Maris Periplus olim ab arriano descriptus nunc vero ab abrah ortelio ex eodem delineatus”. Folding map depicting the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, based on Ortelius map originally published in 1597. Dim. 47×40 cm, one small hole.

“Pontus Euxinus ex Arriano Descriptus” 22x18cm. Folding map of the Black Sea.

Contemporary full vellum, title in gilt on spine. Very light external soiling. Interior very fine, missing last pages of the main text pp.769-832.

Poelyanus work is divided into eight books: the first six contain accounts of the stratagems of the most celebrated Greek generals, the seventh book contains stratagems of non Greeks and Romans, and the eighth book those of the Romans and of illustrious women

A Unique copy, combining Polyaenus and Arrianus works.