1596 Latin Program for 1st and 2nd school (in Latin), Progrymnasmatum Latinitatits, by Jacobus Pontanus

Pontanus' Progymnasmatum Latinitatis was for centuries a mainstay in Latin education. This edition contains both his primary and second school grammatics, as well as an added "Epitome" by Adriano Castellesi, who was one of the first to call for a return to pure Latin (early 16th century).

A 19th century referral, "After lessons ended, they may benefit themselves by reading Jacobi Ponlani Progymnasmata Latinitatis, which will furnish them with good expressions for speaking Latin, and acquaint them with some patterns for exercises which are not elsewhere usually found." - Education, the School, and the Teacher in English Literature, Henry Barnard, 1876

This copy has an interesting binding. The remnants of it's horizontal label are still visible on the spine. The edges of the pages are painted purple, there are remnants of purple ties, and the endbands are an alternating white and purple. All three edges of the paper have the lightest pointille gauffering. Still attractive now, it must have had a quite wonderful effect when new.


Physical Attributes -

Measures 18 x 11 x 2 cm. Limp vellum binding with the slightest yap edges. Pages - (viii) 359

Condition -

See pictures. Spine title in old hand faded, fresher manuscript title and leather applied over it. Some small cockling of vellum. Ties mostly gone except remnants. No writing anywhere. Light foxing throughout. Purple page edges did bleed into the margins a little. I found two ink spots (small).