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The Republic of Plato In Ten Books.
by Plato]. Translated from the Greek by Harry Spens
- Used
- first
- Condition
- See description
- Seller
-
Palm Beach, Florida, United States
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
Glasgow: Printed by Robert and Andrew Foulis, 1763. First edition in English of Plato's Republic, marking the first appearance in the English language of Plato's profoundly influential dialogue concerning the nature of justice. Quarto, bound in full polished calf with raised gilt bands to the spine, morocco spine label lettered in gilt, all edges speckled red. Harry Spens was a minister at the parish of Wemyss in Fife, and respected classicist. In his introduction he professes his intent in his translation is: "To give the English Reader a view of Plato's sentiments and manner of writing, and to stir up the youth to the study of the Ancients." Richard Garnett, in his own introduction of the Everyman's Library reprint of this translation, laments the relative lack of critical attention paid to it, writing: "On the whole, Spens's version should not be lightly esteemed. It is clearly the work of a scholar and a man of considerable literary ability..." The brothers Robert and Andrew Foulis were renowned printers of classical works in their time, sometimes referred to as 'the Elzevirs of Britain.' Their works, mostly intended for scholars, were "much sought after as admirable specimens of typography, and are noticeable for their severely plain elegance" (DNB 7: 514). In very good condition. Rare and desirable.
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Details
- Bookseller
- Raptis Rare Books
(US)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- 138322
- Title
- The Republic of Plato In Ten Books.
- Author
- Plato]. Translated from the Greek by Harry Spens
- Book Condition
- Used
- Publisher
- Printed by Robert and Andrew Foulis
- Place of Publication
- Glasgow
- Date Published
- 1763
- Keywords
- Harry Spens First Edition, The Republic of Plato In Ten Books First Edition
Terms of Sale
Raptis Rare Books
30 day return guarantee, with full refund including shipping costs for up to 30 days after delivery if an item arrives misdescribed.
About the Seller
Raptis Rare Books
Biblio member since 2012
Palm Beach, Florida
About Raptis Rare Books
Founded by Matthew and Adrienne Raptis, Raptis Rare Books is an antiquarian book firm that specializes in literature, children's books, economics, photo books, signed and inscribed books, and landmark books in all fields. Our business model is simple: we strive to handle books that are in exceptional condition and to provide exceptional customer service.
Glossary
Some terminology that may be used in this description includes:
- Gilt
- The decorative application of gold or gold coloring to a portion of a book on the spine, edges of the text block, or an inlay in...
- Spine Label
- The paper or leather descriptive tag attached to the spine of the book, most commonly providing the title and author of the...
- Reprint
- Any printing of a book which follows the original edition. By definition, a reprint is not a first edition.
- First Edition
- In book collecting, the first edition is the earliest published form of a book. A book may have more than one first edition in...
- Edges
- The collective of the top, fore and bottom edges of the text block of the book, being that part of the edges of the pages of a...
- Quarto
- The term quarto is used to describe a page or book size. A printed sheet is made with four pages of text on each side, and the...
- Spine
- The outer portion of a book which covers the actual binding. The spine usually faces outward when a book is placed on a shelf....
- Morocco
- Morocco is a style of leather book binding that is usually made with goatskin, as it is durable and easy to dye. (see also...
- Calf
- Calf or calf hide is a common form of leather binding. Calf binding is naturally a light brown but there are ways to treat the...
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