Flavius Josephus - Alle de Werken van Flavius Josephus - 1787

When you hold this book in your hands, you immediately feel the weight of history. You don’t just leaf through an old work; you enter a world of nearly two and a half centuries, in which biblical and historical narratives have been captured with care and craftsmanship.

The book contains at least 12 copper engravings from the 18th century, which support the text in an impressive manner. The combination of typography, paper, engraving artistry and historical content makes this a valuable collectible for enthusiasts of theology, antiquarian studies and early book printing.

The finely worked copper plates depict biblical and historical scenes with a level of detail typical of 18th-century engraving art. The lines are sharp, the compositions rich in symbolism and drama. Each engraving is printed separately and inserted, a precious and labor-intensive process.

This edition of “Alle de Werken van Flavius Josephus,” printed in Amsterdam by Allart and Holtrop in 1787, concerns the eighth part and is provided with new plates. The work was issued with notes by J.F. Martinet, which makes this edition not only literarily but also historically particularly interesting.

With dimensions of 22 x 13 cm, the book has a pleasantly compact format, typical of 18th-century editions. The condition is reasonable, in keeping with the respectable age of the work. Signs of use and aging are visible, but precisely these marks emphasize the authenticity and the lived character of the book. One should not expect youthful perfection from an edition from 1787 but rather historical charm and patina.

Flavius Josephus is regarded as one of the most important historians of antiquity. His works have for centuries been an essential source of knowledge about Jewish history and the context of early Christianity. An 18th-century Dutch edition like this represents not only substantive value but also cultural-historical importance.

A special item for the serious collector of old books, religious works, or 18th-century prints. This is not an everyday book; this is a tangible fragment from 1787.