Flavius Josephus - De bello Iudaico - 1546

Flavius Josephus (37-100 d.C.)

FL. IOSEPHI DE BELLO IUDAICO LIBRI SEPTEM. EIUSDEM Contra Apionem libri duo. De imperio rationis, sive, de Machabaeis liber unus.

LUGDUNI, APUD SEB. GRYPHIUM, 1546.

Important Renaissance edition printed by Sebastian Gryphius (1493-1556) in Lyon, with his famous printer's device - the griffon on a cube with winged globe, motto VIRTUTE DUCE, COMITE FORTUNA - on title page.

The eyewitness account of the First Jewish-Roman War and destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD, written by Josephus as commander in Galilee. Includes Contra Apionem and De Machabaeis.

References: Baudrier VIII, 81 / USTC 147800 / Adams J-220.
Format: in-8vo, ~16-17 cm, Latin, translation by Rufinus Aquileiensis.

DOUBLE DOCUMENTED PROVENANCE:

1. Old signature "M. Lauron" in iron gall ink on front free endpaper - 18th century French provenance.
2. Original engraved armorial bookplate: CAMPBELL OF SUCCOTH, Baronet, motto LABORE ET PERSEVERANTIA, supporters lion and wild man, Red Hand of Ulster (Baronet mark). Contemporary manuscript note below: "Campbell of SUCCOTH Bar.t"

The Campbell of Succoth Baronetcy, created 1808 for Sir Ilay Campbell, Lord President of the Court of Session, Scotland's highest judge. Seat: Garscube House, Dumbartonshire. Library of over 4000 volumes. Title extinct 2017. This copy most likely belonged to Sir Archibald Campbell, 2nd Bt (1769-1846).

Journey: Lyon 1546 -> France M. Lauron 1700s -> Garscube House Scotland 1800s-1900s -> Romania private collection.

Binding: Old 18th-century Scottish full calf, gilt centre ornament, raised bands, strings visible at spine - unrestored, with noble age wear as per photos. Sold as is.

Condition: Authentic, unrestored, unwashed. Title page complete with device intact, small old wear at lower margin. Age toning, foxing consistent with 478-year-old book. Photos are part of description.

Rare with baronial provenance.