[Corruption in Rome] [Martial Epigrams] M. Val. Martialis (Marcus Valerius Martialis), Th. Farnabii ed.,  EPIGRAMMATACUM NOTIS. Amstelodami: apud Ioannem Ianssonium, 1654. Full calf hardcover w/gilt titling on pasted label, 4 raised bands, 24mo (5.5 x 3”), good +, n.a., [12], 456 pp.Overall moderate wear to all exterior surfaces especially at the ubiquitous head and tail of spine and corners, label removed at top left of front paste-down, complete with all pages, contemporary binding maintains strong integrity, language is Latin.   

 "I live in a little cell, with a window that won’t even close, in which Boreas himself would not want to live."  

 Martial was a 1st-century Roman poet from Spain most-known for his Epigrams. This important, early piece of expresses details of life in Rome; focusing on the brutal experiences of daily life. Martial describes living conditions, corrupt physicians and senators, cruel treatment of slaves, and secrets and rumors of emperors. Because of the style of Martial’s writing, he is often considered the first insult comic, as he used humor to disguise his disdain for the life with which he was so familiar.  

            This1654 Amsterdam edition was edited by English classical scholar Thomas Farnaby who was known for his annotations of Juvenal, Ovid, Lucan, Virgil, and of course Martial.

 A small but powerful tome from the land of long ago – quite the significant Capture of Tyme.