Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Meditations, 1899, no.42 of 60 on Japanese Vellum

Some Meditations Of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus.

Translated by Meric Casaubon, D.D. and modernised.

Published 1899 by Gay and Bird, London.

This edition on Japanese Vellum is limited to Sixty copies, of which this is no. 42.

Published as part of their The Bibelots series, edited by J. Potter Briscoe, F.R.H.S.

This Bibelot (A miniature book, especially one that is finely crafted) contains the substance of Marcus Aurelius' Book of Meditations concerning Himself, or Golden Book, expressed in the language of Casaubon's translation, or rather paraphrase. The text is that of the second edition of that version, published in 1635, with such omissions as were necessary to bring it within the limits of a volume of this series, without the annotations of Casaubon, and with a few slight alterations in punctuation, the spelling throughout has been modernised, and some proper names have been altered. The work has suffered very little, if any, by abridgment; in fact, it has been made more generally readable by the process. The title-page of the second edition of Casaubon's translation is enclosed within a double-mitred border.

These Meditations are a series of personal writings by Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, reflecting his thoughts on Stoic philosophy and self-improvement, composed between 170-180 CE. Written by Marcus Aurelius during his military campaigns, the work is divided into twelve books and was never intended for publication; instead, it served as a source of guidance and self-examination for the author. The writings emphasize the importance of rationality, virtue, and the acceptance of fate, central tenets of Stoic philosophy.

CONDITION:

The book measures 8cm x 12.5cm, 1.5cm thick.

The creamy vellum binding is good, some light marks and rubbing from handling. Gilt title on upper board and spine remains bright and legible. Joints good, sturdy with no cracking. Fore-edge of both boards have slight overhanging yapp edges, rear board yapp edge a little warped. Ribbon has been bound into both boards, with some loss of the ribbon at the fore-edge ends, presumably where there used to be loose ends that would tie together to keep the book closed. Through age and use these have broken away from the binding and are no longer present, as a result the vellum covers rise and warp slightly. A common occurrence with limp vellum covers, and why the ribbon ties were included originally. Vellum has a high sensitivity to moisture and environmental changes, it reacts to humidity by expanding, contracting and distorting.

The paste downs are good, no cracking of the hinges. The Japanese vellum paper is in good condition, no tears or loose/missing pages. Traditionally made in Japan from the inner bark of the mulberry tree, it has a creamy tone and great strength. All text clear and legible, no previous owner inscriptions, highlighting, underlining or notes. Page edges a little darkened, top edge gilt with a few light scratches.

Overall a wonderful little book, beautifully bound in vellum, with high quality Japanese vellum text block. A shame about the missing ribbon ties leading to some warping of the covers. With time, and placed between books on your book shelf, the warping may improve.

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