M. Annaei Lucani Pharsalia, cum commentario Petri Burmanni. [M. Annaei Lucani Pharsalia with a commentary by Peter Brumanni] Leidae [Leiden.] MDCCXL[1740]. Leather binding with beautiful gilt on spine, leather on corners rubbed, large loss between upper capital (incomplete) and first scroll. Print complete, pages clean with stained edges. The ornamentation of the volume is a lovely cover and typographical decorations in the text, p. 736 + index, dimensions approx. 20 x 25 cm.
An old-print which, due to its content and provenance, is an excellent addition to the library of the persistent bibliophile!
Marcus Annaeus Lucanus (39 - 65) - Roman poet, nephew of Seneca the Younger, grandson of Seneca the Elder. He was born in Cordova, in the area of present-day Spain. He was forced to commit suicide for his participation in a plot by Pizon on Nero's life.
Pharsalia - a historical epic in 10 books, concerning the civil war between Pompey and Caesar, ending in defeat at Pharsalos in 48 BC.