Angleterre

1649 · rif. KK6902 — Leiden: B. & A. Elzevir 1649. Hardcover. Very Good. Salamasius’ ‘Defensio Regia pro Carolo I’ which supported divine origin of kingship and the rule of Charles I of England anonymously printed in 1649. Reprinted Sumptibus Regiis 1650. 12mo 125 x 75mm. 472pp. Later vellum edges stained blue; only lightly rubbed lacking ties. Armorial bookplate of Franciscus Antonius Comes de Stürgkh 18th-century Austrian Graf to front pastedown period inscription on front flyleaf. Defensio Regia pro Carolo I “Defense of the Reign of Charles I” which was published anonymously in November 1649 was probably sponsored by Charles II who is thought to have paid a hundred pounds for its printing. The work called for European rulers to unite against the new English republic and place Prince Charles on the throne. This work represents a reversal of Salmasius’ earlier views since it supported the divine origin of kingship defended the powers of a king and blamed the attacks of the Revolution on the English people. Salmasius studied at Paris 1604-06 and at Heidelberg 1606-09. During his years at Heidelberg he discovered the Palatine manuscript of the Greek Anthology. In 1610 his commentary on Solinus’ Polyhistor was published. His enormous learning especially in ancient languages- he was fluent in Hebrew Arabic Syriac Persian and Coptic as well as Greek and Latin- led to offers from several universities. In 1631 he became professor at Leiden and stayed there for the remainder of his life except for one year 1650-51 at the Swedish court where he was a guest due to the fame his Defensio Regia pro Carolo I had brought him. He returned to Leiden soon after the publication of Milton’s reply Pro Populo Anglicano Defensio in 1651. [B. & A. Elzevir] hardcover