Seneca - Philosophi Opera Omnia - 1659

Seneca in the esteemed Elzevirian Illustrated: Pocket Stoicism
This elegant Elzevirian edition of Seneca's works represents one of the peaks of Dutch book production in the seventeenth century: compact, cultured, philologically up-to-date, and visually striking. The volume brings together Seneca as philosopher and Seneca as rhetorician in a manageable yet densely packed format, enriched by a famous engraved frontispiece and internal portraits that transform the book into a true object of moral authority. It is the Seneca of European modernity, designed to circulate, be read, underlined, and carried with you.
Market value
The Elzevir editions of Seneca, particularly the 1659 Amsterdam edition, are firmly established in the international market and highly sought after. Complete copies, with engraved title pages and portraits, in contemporary binding, generally range between 400 and 600 euros, with significant increases for fresh, well-preserved copies or those with illustrious provenance. The combination of canonical content, philological care, and typographic prestige consistently maintains their high value.

Physical description and condition
Contemporary binding in full brown leather, spine with raised bands and dry decorations, boards with abrasions and worn headbands. Architectural frontispiece engraved with figures of philosophers, engraved portrait of Seneca, and additional internal engravings. Text in Latin, ornate initials, and typographic borders. Some browning and foxing. As with old books, with a multi-century history, some imperfections may be present, not always noted in the description. Pp. (2); 48nn; 536; (2).

Full title and author
Seneca - Complete Works of the Philosopher.
Amsterdam, by Elzevir, 1659.
L. Annaei Senecae

Context and Significance
This edition is part of the great tradition of the humanistic and neo-Stoic revival of Seneca, who is central to the moral, political, and legal thought of modern Europe. The philological efforts of Justus Lipsius, Gronovius, and Andreas Schottus ensure a reliable and up-to-date text according to the most advanced standards of the time. The elzevirian format, compact yet authoritative, meets a new need: to make these classic works accessible as everyday tools for scholars, jurists, and policymakers. Thus, Seneca becomes not only a library author but also a constant intellectual companion.

Biography of the Author
Lucius Annaeus Seneca was born in Corduba around 4 BC and died in Rome in AD 65. A Stoic philosopher, dramatist, and statesman, he was Nero's tutor and advisor. His moral work, centered on controlling passions, virtue, and the dignity of the individual, exerted a profound and lasting influence, from the Middle Ages through the Renaissance to the modern age, becoming an essential reference point for European culture.

Printing history and circulation
The Elzevir workshop in Amsterdam was among the most prestigious of the seventeenth century, renowned for its typographic quality, accuracy of texts, and innovation in formats. Editions of Latin classics, such as this Seneca from 1659, circulated widely throughout Europe and became standard references in academic and private libraries. The presence of refined engravings enhances the collectible value of the copy.

BIBLIOGRAPHY AND REFERENCES
BnF, General Catalog, Elzevir editions of Seneca.
WorldCat, record for Amsterdam, Elzevir, 1659.
Justus Lipsius, studies and prefaces related to editions of Seneca.
A. Grafton, Commerce with the Classics.
Studies on Elzevirian typography and on European neo-Stoicism.