Prehistory & Antiquity

First edition of the famous translation by Abraham Loesher, the best and most faithful edition according to Clavier. The editio princeps of this text dates from 1516, printed by the Aldine Press in Venice, but according to Brunet (IV, 454), although rare, it was made from a poor manuscript and was executed carelessly, which gives full importance to the edition we present. Publication date in colophon. Printer's device on verso of final leaf, with the inscription Arion. Historiated initials.
Contemporary full calf binding. Spine with raised bands restored at the end of the 19th century, with fleurons and roulettes on the bands, red morocco title label. Corners restored. On the upper board, gilt: G. Harrosset. Numerous scratches on the boards. Some worming on the lower board. The bottom of the title page has been reinforced over 1cm. Minor damage of no consequence: A pale dampstain in lower margin (another in upper margin on some leaves) fading until page 48, resuming on the last 20 pages and the index. Worming between page 26 and 46 in the lower right corner. A second from page 349 to 413 in right margin, at the very bottom.
Pausanias was a geographer and writer of the 2nd century AD. His description of Greece constitutes a testimony of primary importance on Greece in the Roman period, particularly for the 2nd century of the Christian era, even though Pausanias often delights in mixing history and mythology. In the manner of a modern travel guide, he gives, as he follows his itinerary, the detailed list of sites he visits and the legends relating to them. Numerous archaeological excavations have repeatedly confirmed the veracity of his information, especially concerning historical sites and the works of art they contained. To describe the monuments and sites he visits, Pausanias (115-180) searches libraries and travels extensively.