[Pinax]

ex dono authoris

A delightful 'ex dono authoris' presentation copy of this rare collection of ancient Greek philosophy in English translation by Robert Warren (1680-1740), a student of Christ's College, Cambridge.

Comprising (1): the Pinax, or Tablet of Cebes, a dialogue historically attributed to the Ancient Greek philosopher and disciple of Socrates Cebes of Thebes (c.430-350 BC); (2) A treatise concerning the tranquility of mind or peace of conscience 'Written by Hipparchus, a Pythagorean Philosopher'; and (3) a commentary on the paintings of Appelles his table being a picture of humane life.

With provenance for 'Jo: Jackson Ex Dono Authoris', possibly the low-church clergyman John Jackson (1686-1763), who matriculated at Jesus College, Cambridge in 1702 and studied Hebrew under Simon Ockley before graduating BA in 1707.

Warren himself proceeded Doctor of Divinity, and was Rector of Charlton in Kent by 1709, and later St. Mary Straford Bow until his death in c.1740. He remained a prolific writer, although turning his attention to sermon cycles and Christian works.

The book was later acquired by J.T. Lester Esq., 'bought of P.J. & A.E. Dobell' on 9th August 1927 for the price of one pound and five shillings.

Scarce. ESTC records only 10 copies in institutional collections worldwide, 6 in the British Isles (BL, Cambridge University Library, St. John's College, Cambridge, Mitchell Library, Glasgow, St. Edmund Hall, Oxford, and Ushaw College, Durham) and 4 in North America (Huntington Library, UCLA, Houghton Library, and the University of Michigan).

First edition; 12mo (13.5 x 8 cm); woodcut headpieces, divisional titles, presentation inscription in pen to front free endpaper recto, old bookseller's invoice loosely inserted, small closed tear to lower margin of C9; contemporary gilt-tooled mottled calf, covers panelled in gilt within double-filet borders, gilt spine in 4 compartments incorporating acorn and thistle motif, sprinkled edges, corners slightly rubbed with minor loss, very good; [16], 124pp.

ESTC R35480; Wing C1653A.