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and actions. This edition, edited by the Jesuit scholar Heribert Roswyde, was first published by the Plantin Press in 1617, and was frequently reprinted and translated. Duodecimo (136 × 76 mm). Early 18th-century vellum with early 19th- century manuscript title to spine, raised bands, decorative motif in blind to compartments, red and blue mottled edges. Housed in an 18th- century custom mottled calf pull-off case tooled in blind (a little scuffed), lined with flower-patterned paper. Engraved title vignette and full-page illustration, historiated woodcut initials. Neat early ownership signature to title page. The binding firm and clean, internally crisp; an excellent copy. £1,250 [146710] 57 JOHN OF SALISBURY. Policraticus de nugis curialium et vestigijs philosophorum continens libros octo. Lyon: Constantin Fradin, 1513 the first medieval treatise on political thought Second edition, written around 1159 and first published in Brussels c. 1480, of “the first medieval treatise on political thought” (David Knowles in The Encyclopaedia of Philosophy ), and an important contribution to the mirror-for-princes genre, setting forth the responsibilities of the king under the supremacy of the Church. The work “enunciates two political doctrines – the distinction of the legitimate prince from the tyrant and the subordination of the imperial to priestly authority. The prince is not absolved from obedience to law; his position is that of ‘a minister of the public welfare and a servant of equity’ since the state exists to promote equity. From the church the prince receives the whole authority he wields” ( ESS ). The fifth and sixth books are based upon a letter written by Plutarch to Trajan, “from
which he draws a lengthy comparison of the state with the human body: the head is the prince, the soul the priesthood” (ibid.). The judges and administrators are the eyes, ears and tongue; knights who protect society are the hands. He also touches on hunting, gaming, dreams, astrology, and witchcraft and includes a variety of anecdotes and personal experiences making in all, “a pleasing and readable miscellaneous compilation” ( Catholic Encyclopaedia ). John of Salisbury was one of the most cultured scholars of his day. He studied under Abelard and served as secretary to Thomas Becket before becoming Bishop of Chartres. “Notwithstanding the engrossing cares of his diplomatic career, his great learning and indefatigable industry enabled him to carry on an extensive and lifelong correspondence on literary, educational, and ecclesiastical topics with the leading scholars of Europe. His collected letters (over 300 in number) no less than his other works, form an invaluable source for the history of thought and activity in the twelfth century” (ibid.). John of Salisbury presented Becket with a copy of the Policraticus . In 1170 he witnessed Becket’s murder in Canterbury Cathedral, a result of Becket’s support for the same principles of the supremacy of the Church over the king. Octavo (168 × 100 mm). Contemporary calf, rebacked preserving the original spine, spine ruled and lettered in gilt, covers with elaborate blind stamped rule border with richly gilt inner decorative panel, corners restored, new front free endpaper, gilt edges impressed in blind. Title and running headlines of first 6 leaves printed in red and black, woodcut initials. Final integral blank pasted onto rear board. Light tape residue in gutter of first gathering, title page a little soiled, occasional spotting and the odd stain; a very good copy. ¶ Adams J302; Baudrier XI, pp. 119–20; Brunet III, 547. £3,500 [101888]
All items are fully described and photographed at peterharrington.co.uk
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