Iamblichus

MYSTERIIS AEGYPTIORUM, Chaldaeoruum, Assysiorum. [And Other Tracts] Indexeorum, quae hoc in libro habentur. Proclus., Porphyrius.Synesius.Psellus.Expositio in Theophrastum.Alcinoi.Speusippi.Phthagorae.Xenocratis.Mercurii Trismegistis Pimander.Marsilii Ficini de triplici ita.de voluptate.de Sole & lumine.Apologia.De Magis.

      Venice in aedibus Aldi, et Andreae Soceri Nov. 1516 Rare second edition and ÒsuperiorÓ edition of the Latin translation of this collection of 13 works by Neoplatonist writers, translated and revised by Marsilio Ficino, and which is dedicated to Giovanni deÕ Medici, the future Leone X; the Greek text did not appear until 1678. Roman letter and with handsome woodcut initials. Folio (mm 300 x 200), in fine, full antique vellum, the spine with lettering label gilt. 177 [1] ff. 27 additional blanks bound in at rear. A fine copy, and a beautiful survival, crisp and clean throughout. One small antique ink blemish to the outer margin of one leaf. RARE AND IMPORTANT ALDINE EDITION. This seminal work of Iamblichus translated in Latin contains the collection of 13 works by Neoplatonist writers, all translated and revised by Marsilio Ficino. The others works in this volume include: Proclus: In Platonicum Alcibiadem and De sacrificio et magia, Porphyrius: De occasionibus, de abstinentia, Synesius: De somniis, Psellus: De daemonibus, Pythagorae: Aurea Verba et symbola, Xenocrates: De morte, and a tract by Ficino himself De voluptate. There is also the ÒMisteriÓ of Giamblico as well as other important works. Ficino (1433-1499), was a personality of extraordinary importance in the 15th century. A celebrated philosopher and humanist, he translated Plato into Latin ca. 1462 at the behest of Cosimo de Medici and provided his still revered commentary. He was raised to the highest levels by the patronage of Lorenzo the Magnificent. His translation of PlatoÕs dialogues, completed in 1477 contributed to a humanistic revolution born in the Renaissance. This copy of the Aldine Iamblichus is a rare and beautiful example.