De Antiquitate Judaica. De Bello Judaico.

AUCTION 61 | Wednesday, March 12th, 2014 at 1:00

Fine Judaica: Printed Books, Manuscripts, Autograph Letters, Graphic Art and Ceremonial Objects

Back to Catalogue Download Catalogue

<Previous Lot

/471

Next Lot>

Lot 159

JOSEPHUS, FLAVIUS

De Antiquitate Judaica. De Bello Judaico.

Translated by Rufinus Aquileiensis. Edited by Hieronymus Squarzaficus. Two parts in one volume. Numerous fine woodcut initials. ff. (28), cclx, i. Some light foxing, colophon leaf remargined, final leaf laid down. 17th-century limp vellum, worn. Folio. Goff J-487; BMC, V 421; Schreckenberg, Josephus, 165.

Venice: Albertinus Vercellensis for (the heirs of) Octavianus Scotus 23rd October, 1499

Est: $4,000 - $6,000

PRICE REALIZED $3,600

Flavius Josephus (b. 37/8 CE), a Jewish priest and Pharisee, was put in command of the Jewish resistance in Galilee at the time of the Revolt against Rome, but was captured. His life was spared when he predicted that Vespasian would become emperor. His works are an indispensable source on first century Jewish life and history: “The Jewish Antiquities” explaining to the Romans the history of the Jews from Creation to the Revolt of 66 CE; and “The Jewish Wars” explaining to the Mesopotamian Jews the history of the wars from the Maccabean revolt to 66 CE.