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Volker Riepenhausen

Quintus Horatius Flaccus, Opera Omnia 
apud Ludovicum Regem, Colonia Munatiana (Basel), 1615

[15] , 454 [i.e. 452] ; 231 ; 274 [i.e. 254]; 43 pages 
In folio (37.6 cm x 22.8 cm)

indeed a significant historical edition, both for its Textual Accuracy and Editorial Excellence.


This edition is richly integrated by the scholarly analysis and annotations by Johann Jacob Grasser (Basel, 1579 – 1627, academic, Magister Artium and Poeta laureatus) and chiefly by Pierre Gautier Chabot (1516-1597), French humanist and scholar who studied at the University of Paris and later became Professor of Rhetoric at the University of Bourges. Chabot is best known for his works on rhetoric and history and highly regarded for his commentaries on classical authors, including Cicero, Virgil, and Horace himself. 

Pleasant, solid, full leather later binding, with gilt title in a red field on spine.

Magnificent chalcographic frontispiece, printed in red and black, in which the text is enclosed in a majestic architectural frame, adorned with depictions of Horace and Pindar (considered respectively the greatest Roman and Greek poets of odes), a vignette with bucolic scenes, and portraits of Virgil, Homer, Maecenas and Quintilus Varus with the editor Chabot placed on top of all; engraved by Matthaus Merian the Elder, 17th-century Swiss-German engraver and cartographer, renowned for his detailed and artistic copperplate engravings, including his famous "Topographia Germaniae" serie.

The title page of both the Epistolae and Satyrae present a delightful printer's mark,  a woman holding a lamp with the Latin phrase "Lucerna pedibus meis verbum tuum", which translates to "Your word is a lamp to my feet". This is also a reference to Psalm 119:105 from the Bible.

Text in Latin, with occasional explanatory quotations in Greek, on two columns of 68 lines. 
Pages are dry and rustling. Most pages present an uniform browning (age tanning), which is caused by natural aging processes/oxidation. This doesn't affect the book legibility. 
Ex libris note written by an ancient hand on flyleaf and later overwritten.
Illustrated initials. Marbled edges.
Index.
Odes: Pages 433-434 are omitted in the numbering. 
Epistolae: The pagination skips from page 154 to 175.
In folio (37.6 cm) ; 3 kg.



Horace (65 BC – 8 BC) is a prominent figure in Roman literature: his poetry, characterized by its wit, elegance and moral depth, earned him a place as the leading poet of the Augustan Age, a period that saw an unparalleled flourishing of arts and letters under the reign of Emperor Augustus.   

Horace’s most celebrated contribution to literature is perhaps the concept of "carpe diem," or "seize the day." This phrase, though frequently associated with a hedonistic philosophy, carries a more nuanced meaning. It exhorts readers to embrace the present moment and find joy in life’s simple pleasures, yet cautions against reckless indulgence. A sense of moderation and responsibility is implicit in this timeless advice.

Nevertheless, Horace's literary output is diverse, encompassing various poetic forms and styles. His "Odes," a collection of lyrical poems, explore a wide range of themes, including love, friendship, nature, and the passage of time. These poems, written in a variety of meters, showcase Horace's mastery of language and his ability to evoke powerful emotions.   

Another notable work is "Satires," a series of satirical poems that offer social commentary and personal reflections. Horace uses humor and irony to critique the follies and vices of Roman society, often drawing on his own experiences and observations. These satires provide valuable insights into the social and cultural norms of the Augustan Age.   

Horace's "Epistles" are a collection of formal letters addressed to friends and patrons. These letters, written in a more conversational tone than the Odes and Satires, explore philosophical and literary themes. They offer practical advice on living a good life, emphasizing the importance of moderation, contentment, and friendship.   

Horace's works have captivated and inspired poets and writers (and movie producers, EG "Dead Poets Society") for centuries: his influence can be seen in the works of such literary giants as Alexander Pope, John Milton, and William Wordsworth. Horace's ability to combine wit, elegance, and moral insight has made him one of the most enduring and influential poets in Western literature.


PS: The book will be shipped carefully packaged, via Registered Post and fully insured. Tracking number will be provided as soon as dispatched.

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Quintus Horatius Flaccus (Horace) - Opera Omnia - 1615

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