Macrobius — Opera — First Edition Printed in England, 1694 — Macrobian World Map

MACROBIUS, Ambrosius Aurelius Theodosius. Aur. Theodosii Macrobii V. Cl. & Inlustris Opera. Accedunt integrae Isacii Pontani, Joh. Meursii, Jacobi Gronovii Notae & Animadversiones. Editio novissima, cum Indice Rerum & Vocum locupletissimo. Londini [London]: Typis M. C. & B. M., impensis T. Dring & C. Harper, in vico Fleetstreet dicto, 1694. 8vo.

The first edition of Macrobius printed in England, preserving one of the most influential cosmographical traditions to descend from late antiquity. This London edition reproduces the Leiden variorum edition of 1670, incorporating the notes and observations of Johannes Isacius Pontanus, Johannes van Meurs and Jacobus Gronovius. The edition is entirely in Latin.

Of particular interest is the woodcut Macrobian world map on p.106, showing the spherical earth divided into climatic zones, with a torrid equatorial region and temperate inhabited or potentially inhabited zones to north and south. The Macrobian zonal map became one of the principal forms through which classical cosmography was transmitted throughout the Middle Ages: surviving manuscript examples demonstrate its use in explaining the oceans, climatic zones and the relationship between the known northern world and hypothesised southern regions.

Also present at p.74 is the striking cosmological diagram showing the earth surrounded by the planetary spheres and zodiac. Together these images make Macrobius a tangible example of the transmission of ancient astronomical and geographical thought into early modern print.

The copy retains the imprimatur leaf dated 25 February 1691/2 and signed in print by Robert Midgley, followed by the engraved allegorical title and the red-and-black letterpress title. The imprimatur leaf is specifically noted in bibliographical descriptions and is absent from some surviving copies. At the end is the complete index, concluding with Finis and the small advertisement for Littleton's Dictionary on the terminal verso.

Provenance

From the library of Ferguson of Raith, with the engraved pictorial bookplate to the front pastedown, depicting the Ferguson crest of a demi-lion holding a buckle, and manuscript shelfmark "3 G 3" above. A further early library number, "No. 24," appears at the front.

Size

20 x 13,.5cm

Condition

Complete. Collation agrees with the recorded edition: πA⁸ a⁸ B–2F⁸ 3A–3E⁸ 3F⁴ 3G². The apparently anomalous terminal pagination, ending at p.491 although representing 483 actual numbered pages, is an error of pagination in the edition and is present as issued.

Additional engraved allegorical title/frontispiece; letterpress title printed in red and black; woodcut cosmological diagrams within the text, including the celebrated Macrobian zonal world map at p.106. Contemporary or near-contemporary calf, spine richly gilt in compartments between raised bands, red morocco lettering-piece, gilt board edges, sprinkled edges.

Binding rubbed and marked with age, with wear and some loss at the head of the spine, rubbing to the raised bands, joints and extremities, and bumped corners; nevertheless an attractive unrestored early binding with both boards attached. Gilt decoration remains strong and the original red morocco lettering-piece survives.

Internally very good.  Light toning and occasional minor spotting or marks. A small handful of leaves have locally irregular or rough fore-edges, apparently arising from the original trimming process; these are entirely marginal and there is no loss of text. The text block remains generally crisp and clean.

References

ESTC R36883; Wing M229; Lowndes III, 1447; Graesse IV, 330.