Greek-latin Dictionary—lexicon Graecolatinum—16th Century, 1583 Edition, By Joannes Scapula

Greek-Latin Dictionary -Lexicon Graecolatinum- 16th century, 1583 edition, Joannes Scapula

Rare Greek-Latin dictionary by Joannes Scapula, in its second edition; first published in 1580.

Joannes Scapula, born in Germany in the second half of the 16th century, worked as a proofreader at the printing house of the famous humanist and printer Henri Estienne. Following his master’s example, he also became a lexicographer of the Greek language.

His Lexicon Graecolatinum is an abridged compilation of Henri Estienne’s monumental Thesaurus Graecae Linguae, published in 1572. This undertaking earned Scapula accusations of plagiarism. The work, however, enjoyed significant commercial success, particularly thanks to its more practical format and its much more affordable price compared to Estienne’s voluminous Thesaurus. As Renouard points out (Annales de l'imprimerie des Estienne, I, p. 139), Scapula’s compilation “enjoyed the good fortune typical of many abridgments”: less expensive and seemingly easier to use, it sold widely and was reprinted.

This copy is of particular interest due to the presence of two old handwritten bookplates, which attest to its history and its various owners.

The first, inscribed on the title page, reads: “Ex Libris Petri Bebini 1617” (From the library of Pierre Bebini, 1617).

The second bookplate, also handwritten, reads:

“Hic liber ad me pertinet Delavallade. Si quis ut hunc librum rapidor coeperit (...) ni subito reddat, tartara nigra petat. ” (This book belongs to me, Delavallade. If anyone takes this book and does not return it immediately, let him go to the Black Tartarus (in Hell).

This type of inscription provides an interesting insight into the circulation and transmission of ancient books, featuring a statement of ownership accompanied by a traditional warning against anyone who might appropriate the work.

The volume is preserved in an original full-leather binding of the period, decorated with metal tools, and featuring a particularly evocative antique patina. The binding, the handwritten inscriptions, and the marks of provenance enhance the historical and bibliophilic interest of this copy.

Dimensions: 17.5 × 25 cm.

An interesting testament to Renaissance Greek lexicography and the dissemination of Henri Estienne’s major humanist works.

Price does not include shipping costs

Police Registry Ref.: A211

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