Claudius Claudiani quae extant

This small volume contains the potery of Claudius Claudiani, known as Claudian (c. 370-c. 404 AD). A poet of Greek origin who wrote in Latin, he has been considered the last significant poet in the classical tradition and was in particular known for his epigrams praising Romans in significant political positions, as well as his poetry on mythic topics. He was considered a poet of importance in the Middle Ages.

This edition of Claudian's works was published by Daniel Elzevier, a member of the significant Dutch publishing House of Elzevier, in 1677. This is an excellent example of the small editions for which the House of Elzevier was particularly well-known, measuring approximately 2.5 inches wide by 4.5 inches tall, and its contents accord with their focus on classical works as well as editions of the Greek New Testament.

This particularly edition of Claudian's poetry includes a life of Claudian written by Giglio (here identified as Lilio) Gregorious Giraldi (1479-1552) taken from his work on the Latin poets. In addition, a bookplate in the front indicates that the work belonged to Francis Phillip Nash (1871-1908), a noted professor of Latin and modern languages at Hobart and William Smith Colleges.

The binding is of leather, likely alum-tawed, given that it was at one time white. Though it is now stained, the volume is in very good condition given its age. There is some slight bumping to the corners, and a hole in the leather in the spine. The author's name is printed on the spine, but has faded somewhat. There is foxing and some staining to the page edges, but internally the text is clear. The text is primarily in Latin, with the occasional poem in Greek. There is some writing on the pastedown and first pages, likely from previous owners, as well as an interesting note in Latin on one of the final pages. Overall, a fascinating small volume of an historically interesting Latin poet, as well as a representative of the unique offerings of an important historical publishing house.