Johannes Meursius (van Meurs) / Daniel Souter / [Elzevir] - Joannis Meursi Graecia ludibunda - Palamedes, sive De Tabulâ Lusoriâ - 1625

Very rare edition of this collection of two works printed in Greek and Latin characters by the Elzéviers, related to games and leisure in Ancient Greece.

The first is attributed to the Dutch philologist Johannes van Meurs (1579-1639). He is responsible for a series of highly authoritative dissertations on a multitude of points of literature and critical history. (Willems, Les Elzevier, 160, 159, 161)

The second text (originally published in 1622) is by the Flemish pastor Daniel Souter; it is dedicated to the legend of Palamedes, a hero of Greek mythology, to whom the invention of chess was attributed in order to boost the morale of the troops during the siege of Troy.
In this work, Souter supports the idea that chess is associated with the art of setting traps. (see Jacques Berchtold - Rousseau, chess player at the café 1770-1771)

Ivory vellum cover, handwritten title with a pen on the back. (vintage binding)

Condition: Slightly dull vellum, the binding remains in very good condition. Interior fresh, scattered foxing. Very good copy.

Johannes Meursius (van Meurs) (1579-1639) / Daniel Souter
Joannis Meursi Graecia, playful, or on the games of the Greeks, a singular book. Also included is Daniel Souter's Palamedes, or On the Gaming Board, Dice, and Various Games, three books.
Leiden [Leyde], from the Elzevir workshop [Elzevier], 1625
in-12 (16.5 x 10 cm); 4ff. 70pp and 5f. (index) - 16f. 248pp.