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Ancient History / Classics

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  • The Picture of Kebes the Theban – Rendered into English by Hugh E Seebohm – Rare Private Printing Essex House Press [Following Kelmscott] 1906

    The Picture of Kebes the Theban – Rendered into English by Hugh E Seebohm – Rare Private Printing Essex House Press [Following Kelmscott] 1906

    A scarce little delight of a book by the intellectual banker Hugh Exton Seebohm (1867-1946). Seebohm’s father was expert in classical matters and his family followed in his footsteps as well as increasing significantly the value of the family pile. Small squarish octavo, 52 pages, title page printed in red and black, three page note at end printed in red. Olive grey papered boards with separate paper title to front and spine. A very good copy.

    Seebohm also issued a book on the Structure of Greek Tribal Society.

    The original of this work known as the “Tabula Cebetis”, an influential antique dialogue which addresses questions relating to the way of life.

    A translation of the only existing book of Kebes, who was a disciple of Philolaus and a friend of Socrates.

    Essex House was founded by Charles Ashbee in 1898 using printing gear from the then closed Kelmscott Press of William Morris. True Arts & Crafts style .. Ashbee regarded as a founder of the movement with his Guild. Great care was taken with the typographical design and the wild carnation motif which represented Essex House Press at the rear.

    Would make a delightful gift for the thoughtful.

    Essex House Printing of Seebohm’s translation of Kebes … a true book lovers delight.

    $140.00

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  • The Awakening of the Soul – Ibn Tufail – from the translation of Paul Bronnle -1907

    The Awakening of the Soul – Ibn Tufail – from the translation of Paul Bronnle -1907

    A scarce translation of Hayy ibn Yaqzan a 12th Century work by Moorish philosopher Ibn Tufail. The first philosophical novel ever written.

    Small octavo, 87 pages, missing blank free end paper, clean inside, good green cloth covered boards with title and design to front, titles similarly on spine. Very scarce.

    Published by the Orient Press, London as part of the Wisdom of the East Series. We believe this publisher was part of the John Murray enterprise.

    The work not only had an influence or later Arabic work but also, over time, a significant influence in Europe, especially during the period of European Enlightenment.

    An allegorical novel which recounts the story of a feral child who is brought up by a gazelle alone in the desert. Without any human contact the child discovers ultimate truth through a process of reasoned enquiry. The child, Hayy, meets a castaway Absal through whom he understands the human desires for material goods … Hayy concludes that such things are distractions and should be abandoned to maintain ultimate truth.

    As an aside the author had a varied career including physician to the Almohad King and was a supporter of dissection and autopsy .. expressed in the novel.

    Small but powerful first philosophical novel – scarce in this form.

    $45.00

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