Author: John Barclay.
Title: Io. Barclaii Argenis. Editio novissima. Cum Clave. Hoc est, nominum propriorum elucidatione hactenus nondum edita.
Publisher: Amstelodami (Amsterdam), apud Ludovicum Elzevirium, 1655.
Language: Text in Latin
Size: 5" X 3.5".
Pages: 569 pages + Index.
Binding: Very good contemporary full-calf leather binding (hinges fine, overall slightly worn and scuffed - as shown) under a removable protective mylar cover.
Content: Very good content (bright, tight, and clean, rare light foxing or staining - as shown).
Illustrations: Complete with the nice illustrated title page.

Estimate: (USD 250 - USD 350)

The book: Rare early 17th-century Elzevir edition of Barclay's best-known work, the Argenis, a political romance, resembling in certain respects the Arcadia of Philip Sidney, and the Utopia of Thomas More. The book was completed about a fortnight before his death, which has been said to have been hastened by poison.

 The author: John Barclay (28 January 1582 – 15 August 1621) was a Scottish writer, satirist and neo-Latin poet.  He wrote his major novel, Argenis, in Rome and, according to his contemporaries, indulged in gardening.