POSTEL, Guillaume (1510-1581). De Originibus, seu, de varia et potissismum orbi Latino ad hanc diem incognita. Basel: Johannes Oporinus [1553].

POSTEL, Guillaume (1510-1581). De Originibus, seu, de varia et potissismum orbi Latino ad hanc diem incognita. Basel: Johannes Oporinus [1553].

The first edition of Postel’s curious work on the original language of mankind. Only one other copy has appeared at auction according to ABPC and RBH. Postel was sent to Constantinople in 1536 as the official interpreter of the French embassy to Suleiman. A skilled linguist, he collected manuscripts and published important works of Semitic linguistics. He began to advocate for a universal world religion to unite all people and languages, putting him into conflict with the inquisition and resulting in his confinement on grounds of insanity. This work represents his research into the apocryphal books of Enoch and Noah, seeking the language of Eden in the origins of Tartars, Persians, and Turks. Adams P-2022; Brunet IV 838; VD16 P4482.

Octavo (150 x 93mm). Roman, Greek, and Hebrew types. Woodcut initial (final leaf strengthened). 19th-century dark purple morocco, paneled in gilt, edges gilt. Provenance: early annotations.

Pre-Lot Text
PROPERTY OF A PRIVATE COLLECTOR IN ARGENTINA