Sophoclis [ Sophocles ]; Musgravii, Samuelis [ Musgrave, Samuel ]; Brunck, Rich. Fr. Phil.

[Classics] Sophoclis tragoediae septem: cum animadversionibus Samuelis Musgravii M.D. Accedunt, praeter variantes lectt. editionum optimarum, Sophoclis fragmenta ex editione Brunckiana. Necnon index verborum. [Together with:] Scholia Graeca in Sophoclem: ex editione Brunckiana. [ Two works in three volumes ]

Oxford: Clarendon Press 1800-1801. Two works in three vols. All bumped, worn. First work (Sophoclis tragoediae septem): 4to., iv, 552-[553] (corrigenda); 438; contemporary calf gilt; amateur repairs with binder’s tape to both spines, presumably to keep spines and boards attached (only partially successful); ex-library paper spine labels with call numbers; library pockets roughly removed from front pastedowns; binder’s tape at inner hinges; holograph ex-library pencil annotations to title leaves recto and verso; former ownership ink autograph of “P. Wynter” to both title pages; ex-library embossed stamps and/or inkstamps to title pages, pp. 17 and/or 18, and p. 79; Z4-Z5 at Volume II unopened, with small tear at fore-edge of Z4; ex libris bookplate and library pockets to rear pastedowns; clean and serviceable reading copies only. [Together with second work] Scholia Graeca in Sophoclem: ex editione Brunckiana. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1801. 8vo., [iv], [649]; contemporary calf gilt; amateur repair with binder’s tape to spine, presumably to keep boards attached (only partially successful); ex-library paper spine label with call numbers; library pocket roughly removed from front pastedown; binder’s tape at inner hinges; holograph ex-library pencil annotations to title leaves recto and verso (listing this as “Volume III” paired with the two preceding volumes); ex-library inkstamps to title page, pp. 18 and 79; ex libris bookplate and library pockets to rear pastedowns; clean and serviceable reading copy only. All properly withdrawn. Good. Boards. [27986]


First edition of this recension, edited with notes by Samuel Musgrave. Text in Greek with Latin commentary. Classical scholar and physician Samuel Musgrave (1732-1780) enjoyed a prestigious career until falling afoul of English authorities following his publication of a pamphlet accusing certain members of the British government of having been bribed by the French to conclude the 1763 Treaty of Paris, which formally ended the Seven Years’ War in Europe and North America. Musgrave was unable to produce the required proof to substantiate the charge and was subsequently discredited, after which he lived in much-reduced circumstances. The “P. Wynter” whose autograph adorns the title pages of both volumes is likely English clergyman and academic Philip Wynter (1793-1871), President of St. John’s College, Oxford from 1828-1871 and Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University from 1840-1844.

Price: $375.00