Miniature Book. 1751 To Tou Epiktetou (Enchiridion of Epictetus). Greek

A celebrated (see bibliographic details below) Greek language miniature printing, the venerable Foulis printer's first edition of their Greek (edited by John Upton) printing of the Enchiridion, an ancient work based on Stoic philosophy. This copy in a very attractive binding, bound to look of-the-period.

About the Work -

The Enchiridion, or Handbook of Epictetus, is a short manual of Stoic ethical advice compiled by Arrian, a 2nd-century disciple of the Greek philosopher Epictetus. Although the content is mostly derived from the Discourses of Epictetus, it is not a summary of the Discourses but rather a compilation of practical precepts. Eschewing metaphysics, Arrian focuses his attention on Epictetus's work applying philosophy to daily life. Thus, the book is a manual to show the way to achieve mental freedom and happiness in all circumstances.

About the Printer -

Robert Foulis was born the son of a maltman. He was apprenticed to a barber, but was encouraged to become a publisher by Francis Hutcheson who was impressed by his ability. After spending 1738 and 1739 in England and France in company with his brother Andrew, who had been intended for the church and had received a better education, Robert set up a publishing business in 1741 in Glasgow, and in 1742 acquired his own press. He bought type from the renowned type-maker and punch-cutter Alexander Wilson. In 1743, he was appointed printer to the Glasgow University. In the same year he produced the first Greek book published in Glasgow, namely the De Elocutione by Demetrius Phalereus. It was also offered in Latin.

Soon he went into partnership with his brother. Their press published books in English, Latin, Greek, French and Italian that were noticeable for their quality. Indeed, the brothers were sometimes referred to as "the Elzevirs of Britain." They spared no pains, and Robert went to France to procure manuscripts of the classics, and to engage a skilled engraver and a copper-plate printer.

Bibliographic Details -

Worldcat OCLC 46955070 and 931416560.

Oldfather, in his Contributions Toward a Bibliography of Epictetus, lists it as number 193 (1927); calls them "justly celebrated Foulis editions".

Adam Clarke, in his A Bibliographical Dictionary (1803), lists it on page 178, calling it "A very correct and beautiful book".

In the Grolier Club's A Short List of Microscopic Books..., they state, "Mention should be made of... the Anacreon, Pindar and Epictetus printed with Greek types at the Foulis Press in Glasgow, averaging three inches in height, all of which are remarkable".

Physical Attributes -

Measures approx. 8 x 5.25 x 1 cm. Leather binding with a gilt fillet border to the borders, with corner florets. Spine with four raised bands, title in gilt in one compartment, four compartments with a gilt leafy stamp bordered by fillet, and the year in gilt at the base. White and blue endbands. "Bound by Starr Bookworks" stamped at the rear.

Pages - 95 pages (verso of 95 blank, so [1]).

Condition -

See pictures. Very nice binding; recently executed (per the ticket) but doesn't look it. Paper toned throughout, occasional fox spot, dog-eared page, page edge chip, etc. First three leaves chipped at top corner, no text affected. Fourth leaf with some chips to fore-edge, no text affected. Blank front endpaper dog-eared. A moisture mark near the edges, at the front and end of the text block; I think this was probably from the oiling of a previous binding (it was out they kept binding from drying out in previous times). 1st blank leaf at rear has .5 cm hole. Bookbinder's stamp at rear pastedown.