MESSIA, Petrus. (MEXIA, Pedro)
De verscheyden lessen Petri Messiae/ De Seven verscheyden Tsamensprekinghen
Leyden, Jan Claesz. van Dorp, 1607/ 1615
2 parts in 1 vol., 8vo, contemporary soft vellum, title in ink on spine, 2 titles with printer’s device, 627 p. – [12] + 157 p. – [1]; good copy, binding somewhat loosened, lacking front endpaper, slight browning to some pages, few wormholes on inside margins
Early Dutch translations of two successful works by Pedro Mexia (1497-1552), a Spanish humanist and court historian to Charles V. The first book is a compilation of anecdotes, historical essays and moral reflections in which Mexia touches on a multitude of topics: the Egyptians, the Templars, astrological questions, the healing quality of waters and fountains, precious stones, etc. This work would become one of the most read publications of the 16th and 17th century. The second part is a translation of “Los dialogos o coloquios” and discusses cosmology: the sun, earth and meteors and various conversations.
