About the item: An authentic 17th-century Latin edition of the Roman historian Quintus Curtius Rufus's work on Alexander the Great, "De Rebus Alexandri Regis Macedonum", augmented with commentaries, supplements, and a scholarly apparatus by the prominent German classical philologist Johann Freinsheim (Johannes Freinshemius). Published in 1670 in Strasbourg (Argentorati) by publishers G. A. Dolhopff and J. E. Zetzner, this monumental antiquarian volume represents the classical philology and historiographical tradition of the mature Baroque era. The book retains its original period full leather binding with decorative gold tooling on the spine, and its interior is adorned with an impressive engraved frontispiece and copperplates. Due to its exceptional historical, scholarly, and bibliophilic significance, this publication is a valuable example of 17th-century European printing and classical literary heritage.
Technical Information: The physical dimensions of the book are 20 × 16 cm. The place of origin is Strasbourg (Argentorati), Holy Roman Empire. The publication year is 1670. The publishers are G. A. Dolhopff and J. E. Zetzner. The volume is prepared in Latin with commentaries and supplements by Johann Freinsheim. The theme is ancient history, classical literature, and the life of Alexander the Great. The book is issued in original hardback covers with a full leather binding decorated with gold-tooled ornaments. The publication retains an engraved frontispiece, two fold-out copperplate engravings, and a comprehensive alphabetical index. The extent is 686 leaves (1372 pages). The condition is good – the covers show natural traces of use and age, the corners and edges are rubbed, the front hinge is cracked, and light foxing and occasional stains are visible on the pages, but the binding remains firm and the volume is complete.
Artistic and Structural Analysis: This impressive volume beautifully represents 17th-century European bookbinding and printing culture. The spine is divided into compartments with raised bands decorated with gold-tooled floral motifs and features the original leather title label. Particular artistic value is provided by the frontispiece engraved by Peter Aubry, where an allegorical figure of an angel, heraldic symbols, and historical motifs frame the title of the work. The publication is supplemented by two fold-out copperplates and a very detailed alphabetical index. The text pages feature a natural age patina and minor foxing, while the authentic binding has maintained its structural integrity despite natural signs of use spanning over three and a half centuries.
Historical and Geographical Context: Quintus Curtius Rufus was a Roman historian who wrote one of the most important Latin accounts of the campaigns and conquests of Alexander the Great. Although the original work has survived only in an incomplete form, in the 17th century, the German humanist and classical philologist Johann Freinsheim prepared supplements (Supplementa) for the lost sections and extensive commentaries based on other ancient authors. These supplements became an essential part of many 17th- and 18th-century editions. Strasbourg at that time was one of the most important printing and scholarly hubs in Central Europe, renowned for high-quality classical literature publishing and the dissemination of humanist thought.
Collectible and Investment Significance: The value of this antiquarian publication is determined by several important aspects. First and foremost, it is an early 17th-century edition of classical literature published in one of the most important European printing centers of the era. The original full leather binding with gold-tooled ornaments, the engraved frontispiece, both surviving fold-out copperplates, and the comprehensive scholarly apparatus hold great collectible significance, which is crucial for assessing the completeness of the edition. The personality of Alexander the Great has remained one of the most popular topics in ancient history for several centuries, making such early editions of constant interest to both bibliophiles and history collectors. This representative volume, over 350 years old, will perfectly complement a private library or a collection of ancient history and classical philology, serving as an authentic witness to European intellectual heritage that harmoniously combines Roman historiography, Baroque publishing art, and long-term collectible value.
