Tres Epistolae Platonis

(Berlin): Officina Serpentis, 1926. Folio. 45pp. From an edition of 340 copies, this is one of seven printed on vellum, with initials added by hand in gold by Hanns Thaddaus Hoyer. A stunning example of manuscript proficiency that highlights typographic expertise, Officina Serpentis' edition of three letters from Plato to his friends and colleagues simultaneously honors and modernizes the customary Early Modern mise-en-page. The original Greek text of each letter has been printed in the Greek Tischendorft typeface by Schelter & Giesecke, of which this edition is its first continuous use. Surrounding the Greek is its translation in German, which is in Gentzsch & Heyse's Elzevier-Cursive. The stylistic harmony of the printing underscores the thesis behind the selection of these three particular letters; previously questioned for their authenticity of authorship, the unification and aesthetic exaltation of these writings posits their genuine linkage to Plato. It perhaps suggests an even larger conclusion about the relationship between artistic unity and academic accuracy; regardless, the edition, especially in this highly limited deluxe form, stands as an achievement of design. Bound in full orange-red morocco with blind-tooled rules and titling in gilt to upper cover and spine. Spine shows a bit of sunning, instances of rubbing to corners, else near fine. Housed in slipcase.