Josephus's De bello Judaico

Josephus's De bello Judaico
Petrus Maufer [for Innocens Ziletus], 1480
JOSEPHUS, Flavius (37-after 93). De bello Judaico and De antiquitate Judaeorum contra Apionem. Translated from Greek by Rufinus Aquileiensis. Verona: Petrus Maufer [for Innocens Ziletus], 25 December 1480.

First edition printed in Italy, fourth overall, of one of the most important works of Jewish historiography, in a contemporary Italian binding. Josephus led the Jewish forces in Galilee during the Great Jewish Revolt, but was captured by the Romans. His life was spared when he prophesied that Vespasian would become emperor, and he was then enslaved until his prediction was fulfilled in 69. Originally written in either Hebrew or Aramaic, De bello Judaico is a history of the conflict informed by Josephus’s eyewitness experiences of the war. The second text here, Contra Apion, is a defense against anti-semitism, establishing the antiquity and philosophical rigor of Judaism alongside other ancient religions. Josephus's works were much read in the Renaissance, both in Greek and Latin as well as in vernacular translations. This early edition is the only book signed from Verona by Maufer, who also ran presses in Padua and Venice. HC 9452*; BMC VII 951; BSB-Ink I-621; Bod-inc J-221; IGI 5388; Goff J-484; ISTC ij00484000.

Chancery folio (305 x 202mm). 214 leaves. (Occasional fingersoiling and wormspots.) Contemporary Italian blindstamped goatskin over wooden boards, paper label on spine, remains of gilt-stamped author name on spine (lacking bosses, catchplates, and straps, corners showing, some wear). Provenance: some marginalia – acquired from Bernard M. Rosenthal, New York, 3 March 1958.