Volume I: TP + [i]-[ii] = Prćfatiuncula + [iii]-[vi] = Index + 1-383; Volume II: TP + [i]-[ii] = Eruditissimo = 1-404 + [405]-[408] = Index; Volume III: TP + [i]-[xiii] = Prćfatio + [xiv] = Index + 1-427. Small Quarto. Complete Latin Edition. (Lettres de Descartes #9 [dating the second volume 1668] and #11, Guibert, pp. 88-92.)Complete Latin Collection of Descartes' Letters - 1668/78 & 1683With numerous woodcuts in text.The complete Latin edition of Descartes' letters with a first edition copy of volume I (1668) by Elzevirium and their first edition, second printing of volume II (1678) along with a first edition copy of volume III, first published by Blauiana in 1683. Descartes letters were published piecemeal and erratically over the years. The first book of his letters - also in Latin - was published in 1643 and limited to those letters written in response to attacks on Cartesian philosophy by his academic enemy - the orthodox Calvinist, Voetius. In 1656 (six years after Descartes' death) a small, 59-page octavo Latin volume was published that contained just Fragmenti ex Cartesii Epistolis. Following this, from 1657 through 1667, six editions of this ever-expanding collection of letters appeared in French. Then in 1668, Elzevirium published the expanded two-volume Latin collection [as here] that was enlarged yet again in 1682/3 when Bluiana reprinted Elzevirium's two volumes and added a third. With the misnumbered pages at 151 [161] and 278 [378] as called for in Guibert for volume I. The second volume here is dated 1678 on the title page, rather than 1668 as called for in Guibert and does not contain the three first misnumberings noted in that bibliography (6 for 61, 74 for 64 and 206 for 106), but does have the final two distinctive misnumberings for that printing with 192 for 194 and 140 appearing where it should read 240. These only partially corrected mistakes would indicate that this is a second printing of the second volume by Elzevirium which was unknown to Guibert. full contemporary vellum with spine titles in a manuscript hand. There is a small armorial stamp in the mid-right-hand edge of each title page. A truly gorgeous and impressive set of this complete edition of Descartes' letters. ADDITION PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. Seller Inventory # 741

Contact seller

Report this item

Bibliographic Details

Title: Epistolć, Partim ab Auctore Latino sermone ...

Publisher: Danielem Elzevirium & Blauiana 1668 & 1678 & 1683, Amstelodami

Publication Date: 1668

Condition: Three matching volumes

Edition: FIRST EDITION

Store Description

Visit Seller's Storefront

Association Member

Members of these associations are committed to maintaining the highest standards. They vouch for the authenticity of all items offered for sale. They provide expert and detailed descriptions, disclose all significant defects and/or restorations, provide clear and accurate pricing, and operate with fairness and honesty during the purchase experience.

Seller's business information

Athena Rare Books ABAA
CT, U.S.A.

Terms of Sale:

All items are offered subject to prior sale. All items are guaranteed as described. We are willing to hold items for seven days. Items for any reason unsatisfactory may be returned within ten days of receipt, with prior notice. Any returns must be well packaged and sent in a traceable manner. Additional insurance is not required for a return shipment. We accept checks (in U.S. currency) and wire transfers. Connecticut residents please add appropriate sales tax. Payment in advance is required for...

More Information

Shipping Terms:

Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.

Payment Methods
accepted by seller

Direct Debit (Personally Authorized Payment) Check Money Order Cash Bank Draft Bank/Wire Transfer

Add to Wants