VERY RARE LYON EDITION OF PLUTARCHUS' ESSAY ON SUPERSTITION

Plutarchus. De superstitione, libellus. Lyon: Gryphius, 1552.

8vo (170x112 mm), modern paperboards; pp. 29, (3); woodcut printer's devices at title-page and in the end.
Fine woodcut headletters.

Very rare Gryphius edition of Plutarchus' short philosophical essay on superstition

Lucius Mestrius Plutarchus (c. 46 - 120 AD) better known as Plutarchus, was a Greek historian, biographer, essayist. He studied mathematics and philosophy at the Academy of Athens, then travelled widely in the Mediterranean world, including central Greece, Sparta, Corinth, Patras, Alexandria, and naturally Rome, where he took up Roman citizenship. For many years Plutarch served as one of the two priests at the temple of Apollo at Delphi, the site of the famous Delphic Oracle. By his writings and lectures Plutarch became a celebrity in the Roman empire, yet he continued to reside where he was born, and actively participated in local affairs, even serving as mayor. At his country estate, guests from all over the empire congregated for serious conversation, presided over by Plutarch in his marble chair.

References: IT\ICCU\BVEE\007050 (referred to a set of 3 parts, one of which is the De superstitione, libellus). Not in Adams. OCLC, 81638086 (only one copy in USA, located in the Harvard College Library).

A fine copy.