Of the Consolation of Philosophy.

Last great Western work from Antiquity. The first edition of this English-language translation of Boethius' Consolation of Philosophy by the Jacobite conspirator Richard Graham, 1st Viscount Preston (1648-1695).

Arguably the most famous work of philosophy from late antiquity, Boethius composed his Consolation at the very end of his life whilst imprisoned and awaiting execution for treason in AD 523-4. It takes the form of a dialogue between the author and philosophy, personified as a 'Woman of a most reverend Countenance' (p.3), who counsels that true happiness is not based upon the attainment of material riches, honour or power, but from the unity of the soul and body within.

The text goes on to discuss the problem of evil, the nature of predestination, free will, and justice. As translator, Boethius was an important link between the Hellenic and Medieval worlds and was amongst the most widely read and debated figures from late antiquity. Such is his legacy that he has been dubbed the 'last of the Roman philosophers and the first of the scholastic theologians' (Edward Kennard Rand).

A handsome copy in contemporary mottled calf with excellent provenance for the Barons Sandys, the notation in pencil to the front free endpaper for the Ombersley Court library.

First Graham edition; 8vo (19.5 x 13 cm); text in English, engraved frontispiece, final errata f., pencil library notations to front free endpaper recto below small mark in pen, slight offsetting to title, textblock a little toned, title gutter margin reinforced; contemporary mottled calf, coves ruled in blind, gilt spine in 5 compartments, contrasting red morocco lettering-piece, edges sprinkled red, small repair to lower joint, a trifle rubbed, a handsome copy; xxxii, 246, [2]pp.

ESTC R3694.