Rare Greek Edition, 1836, Montesquieu, Grandeur and Decline of the Romans, Athens, I. Philimon, Embossed Leather Binding

An exceptional and historically significant Greek antiquarian edition of Montesquieu’s celebrated philosophical and historical work, Considerations on the Causes of the Grandeur and Declension of the Romans, published in Athens in 1836.

This rare Greek-language edition, translated from the original French by G. A. Therinos (Γ. Α. Θερίνoς), is an important example of early book publishing in the newly established independent Greek state.

The publication is recorded in the Anemi Digital Library of Modern Greek Studies, which documents the 1836 edition under its original Greek title:

Σκέψεις περί των αιτίων του μεγαλείου και της πτώσεως των Ρωμαίων.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Published only two years after Athens was declared the capital of the independent Kingdom of Greece in 1834, this volume belongs to a particularly important period in the development of modern Greek printing, intellectual culture and publishing.

The book was printed in Athens by the printing house of Ioannis Philimon (Ι. Φιλήμων), an important figure in early Greek publishing and historiography.

Montesquieu’s influential examination of the rise and decline of ancient Rome was particularly relevant to the political and intellectual debates of 19th-century Europe, making this Greek edition an especially interesting intersection of Enlightenment philosophy and the cultural history of modern Greece.

BINDING AND CRAFTSMANSHIP

The volume retains an attractive period binding, featuring elaborate blind-tooled decoration with deeply embossed floral and scrolling motifs across both boards.

The decorative leather covers display the craftsmanship and aesthetic character of 19th-century bookbinding. The darker leather/cloth spine complements the richly decorated boards and preserves the authentic antiquarian appearance of the book.

BIBLIOGRAPHICAL DETAILS

• Author: Charles de Secondat, Baron de Montesquieu
• Original title: Considérations sur les causes de la grandeur des Romains et de leur décadence
• Greek title: Σκέψεις περί των αιτίων του μεγαλείου και της πτώσεως των Ρωμαίων
• Translator: G. A. Therinos (Γ. Α. Θερίνoς)
• Publisher / Printer: I. Philimon Printing House
• Place of publication: Athens, Greece
• Year: 1836
• Language: Greek (Katharevousa)
• Pagination: 290 pages
• Dimensions: 19.5 cm x 13.5 cm
• Binding: Decorated 19th-century embossed binding

CONDITION

Good antiquarian condition, with signs of age and use consistent with a book of this period.

The original period binding retains its attractive embossed decoration and historical character. Please examine the photographs carefully for a detailed assessment of the covers, spine, pages and overall condition.

A COLLECTOR’S OPPORTUNITY

A desirable early Greek imprint for collectors of rare books, Enlightenment philosophy, Montesquieu, 19th-century European history and the history of Greek publishing.

An evocative survivor from the formative years of the modern Greek state, combining an important philosophical text with the craftsmanship of traditional bookbinding.

A distinguished addition to a collection of Greek antiquarian literature or European intellectual history.