Flavius Josèph - Opera Iosephi Iudaeorum Doctissimi ac Disertissimi - 1617

Title:
Opera Iosephi Iudaeorum Doctissimi ac Disertissimi

Author:
Flavius Josèphe (37-100 A.D.)

Edition:
Frankfurt (Francofurti), 1617

Format:
20 × 13.5 cm

Pagination:
879 pages

Binding:
Embossed VAC leather of the period with metal clasps.

Presentation of the work
Flavius Josephus is regarded as the most important historian of the Jewish people in antiquity. Born in Jerusalem in the first century, a direct witness of the war between the Jews and Rome, he remains today a fundamental historical source for the knowledge of ancient Judaism, the Second Temple in Jerusalem, and the events that led to its destruction in the year 70.

This 1617 edition collects Josephus’ major works, notably:
- The Jewish Antiquities
- The War of the Jews
- Against Apion
- The Autobiography of Josephus

Historical significance
The work traces nearly four millennia of biblical and Jewish history:
- The Creation of the World
- The Patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
- Moses and the Exodus
- The Kings of Israel: David and Solomon
- The building and destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem
- The period of the Maccabees
- The reign of Herod
- The tensions between Rome and Judea
- The Great Jewish Revolt and the destruction of Jerusalem

Josephus’ writings constitute one of the principal historical sources on Judaism of the Second Temple and the origins of Christianity.

Interest for collectors
This 1617 edition is particularly sought after for:
- Its antiquity (over 400 years old)
- Its period vellum binding
- Its excellent overall state of preservation
- Its importance in the history of Judaism and Christianity
- Its appeal to collectors of Judaica, theology, ancient history, and humanist books

Condition
Complete copy of 879 pages, with title page, preface, main text, and final index present.

Old binding preserved with metal clasps.