Spartan Lessons;

The first Foulis Press edition of this 'ancient panegyric on martial spirit and personal valour' by the Athenian poet Tyrtaeus (fl. mid-seventh century BC), who was adopted by the Spartan state during the Second Messenian War.

As the English introduction by the classicist James Moor (1712-1779) explains, 'Tyrtaeus, after Homer, and Hesiod, is the most ancient Greek Poet of whom we have any remains'. These martial songs were prepared for the use of the Lacedaemonian army during their war with the Messenians, instilling in their youth the Spartan military ethos of duty, valour, love of country, the glory of dying in its defence, and the rewards of victory. Afterwards, it was made law that in 'every campaign, upon taking the field, every man of the army was to be summoned to attend at the king's tent, to hear the warlike lessons of Tyrataeus'.

First edition; 4to (21 x 16 cm); introduction in English, text otherwise in Ancient Greek and Latin, 2 engraved portrait medallions of Hercules, divisional half-titles, library stamps to title-page causing small pin hole not affecting text, inscriptions in pen to front free endpaper; contemporary sprinkled calf, contrasting red morocco lettering-piece to spine, library shelf mark in pen to first compartment, a little rubbed, very good; xxvii, [5], 20, [3], 22-30pp.

ESTC T136314; Gaskell 376.