adminThe Rhodesia Herald,
June 3, 1968
LONDON. – A rare manuscript transcript of Machiavelli’s political treatise, “The Prince”, will be among 16th and 17th century Italian manuscripts to be sold at Sotheby’s, the London art auctioneers, on June 25.
This transcript is one of the 11 surviving manuscript versions – now mostly in public libraries – which predated the 1532 first printed edition of the Renaissance statesman’s most famous work whose autographed manuscript has been lost.
It is part of the library of Manchester-born, Sir Thomas Phillips, who died in 1872 and was perhaps England’s greatest collector of manuscripts.
The series of sales from this library, begun at Sotheby’s three years ago, has so far totalled more than £650 000.
Another important item in the coming sale is a collection of unpublished original letters written by Machiavelli’s contemporary, the Italian diplomat and courtier Baldassare Vastiglione. – Iana-Reuter.
LESSONS FOR TODAY
Relics should be preserved for posterity because not only are they expensive, but they are also very important historical artefacts.
Works of great writers should mostly be kept in public libraries as opposed to the hands of public collectors because they should be accessible to a wide selection of people especially aspiring writers.
The art of writing books is fading gradually and as such, future generations will need to have a reference point, especially manuscripts.
Online Reporter