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AELIANUS Tacticus (2nd century A.D.). [In Greek:] Peri strateegikoon taxeoon Hellenikoon . Venice: Andreas and Jacobus Spinellus, 1552.
AELIANUS Tacticus (2nd century A.D.). [In Greek:] Peri strateegikoon taxeoon Hellenikoon . Venice: Andreas and Jacobus Spinellus, 1552. [ Bound with :] AELIANUS Tacticus. De militaribus ordinibus instituendis . Venice: Andreas and Jacobus Spinellus, 1552. Two works bound in one, 4 o (242 x 167 mm). Both with titles within large architectural borders, woodcut diagrams, including one double-page. Title within woodcut border, woodcut diagrams of troop formations including one folding. (Inner margin of second title renewed, some occasional pale marginal spotting.) 19th-century English straight-grained morocco gilt (some light wear at extremities). Provenance: Jesuit College at Genoa (inscription on second title, inkstamp on title verso); acquired from William H. Schab, 1966. EDITIO PRINCEPS OF THE ORIGINAL GREEK, AND FIRST EDITION OF THE LATIN TRANSLATION, issued the same year. Aelianus was the chief authority of military strategy for all soldiers of the 16th century. The texts are illustrated with woodcut tactical diagrams showing both infantry and horse troops drawn up in various positions. The diagrams are not composed of typographical elements, which was the standard practice of the time, but are made up of small woodcut figures of lancers, cavalrymen, standard-bearers, etc., in different positions and costumes. The woodcuts were designed by Francesco Robortelli (1516-1567), professor of classics at Padua, after earlier manuscript models. Adams A-216 and A-217.