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Author: Boethius
Title: Boetius de philosophico consolatu, siue, De consolatioe philosophi[a]e: cu[m] figur[is] ornatissimis nouit[er] expolit[us]
Place Published: [Strasbourg, France]
Publisher:Impressum Argentin[a]e, P[er] Iohanne[m] Gru?ninge
Date Published: 1501
Description:

[10], CXXVIII leaves (final two leaves misnumbered CXXVI). With numerous woodcut illustrations; woodcut initials; printer's device on final leaf. (folio) 25.7x19 cm (10¼x7½"), modern vellum stamped in gilt, yap edges, new endpapers.

The first illustrated edition of a classic work of philosophy - a celebrated edition edited by Sebastian Brandt and finely printed and illustrated by the famous Strasburg printer Gruninger. The text of Boethius is printed in the center of the page, with the commentary of pseudo-Aquinas surrounding it in a marginal border; Sebastian Brandt composed the epigram on A1. Written while Boethius was in prison for alleged treason, The Consolation of Philosophy relates an imaginary dialogue between Boethius and Philosophy, who is here depicted as a woman. The text argues Platonically that, despite the apparent inequality of the world, there is a higher power of Providence directing all things.

Gently washed with occasional expert and unobtrusive repair to the paper; a very attractive copy.