Neo-Latin poetry

Lorich, Reinhard. Assueri Persarum regis convivium, et Darii itidem Persarum regis coena, utrumque e sacris literis depromptum.

Cologne, E. Cervicornus, 1541.

4to. (46) ff. Title within elaborate woodcut border, showing Pyramus and Thisbe in the lower compartment. With 5 full-page woodcuts (two repeats, one within an additional three-piece border). Rubricated throughout. Modern blue boards.

 3,500.00

First edition of this epic poem about the life and feasts of Xerxes the Great, King of Kings of the Achaemenid empire, ruling over Persia, Babylon and Egypt from 486 to 465 BC. Includes Lorich's "Coena Darii", a poem "in praise of wine, woman and truth" (Simon), first published separately in 1539. The pretty, unsigned woodcuts show Xerxes and Darius feasting with their nobles, as well as Darius asleep, and Darius surrounded by his courtiers, who bear panels comparing the relative strength of wine, royalty, women, and truth.

Reinhard Lorich (ca. 1510-64) from Hadamar in Hesse was a Lutheran theologian at Marburg University and a prolific Latin poet.

Slightly toned, some minor soiling. A nicely rubricated copy. Only four copies recorded in public libraries.

References

VD 16, L 2577. USTC 613747. Not in Adams, BL, BnF, Oberlé etc. Cf. Simon, Bibl. Gastronomica, 968 ("Coena Darii").