Antiquarian Books - Wellington
Tuesday, 31 January - Wednesday, 15 February 2023
Knight Richard Payne - An Analytical Essay on the Greek Alphabet
Estimate $350 - $500
Realised: $270 plus premium
Lot Details
Printed By J Nichols For P Elmsly, London, first edition, 1791, vii, 137pp, plus 9 plates, the last wrongly number XI as opposed to IX, half calf, marbled boards, some foxing, else G. Based on the authors own impressive collection of ancient coins, gems, and bronzes nowin the British Museum. This work analyzes changes in Greek letter forms and in the language itself over the centuries. It is a sober and scholarly work that helps establish a chronology whereby inscriptions can be assigned a date. The impression given by the wealthy and learned traveller Knight (1750-1824) is very much at odds with the scandalous nature of his private life.
