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College of Charleston Library Acquires 1st Edition Herodotus

The Special Collections department at the College of Charleston Addlestone Library has acquired a 1502 Aldine first edition of Herodotus’ Histories. Considered by many to be the first great prose writer of western civilization history, Herodotus documented the origins of the Greco-Persian wars, which took place in 490 and 480-79 BC. This Aldine edition is the first printing of Herodotus in the original Greek and one of only 25 in existence.

“Histories is an exceptional addition to our rare book collection at the library,” said John Rivers, Chairman of the Board of the Friends of the Library. “Its significance is immeasurable and will certainly impact students, faculty and visitors for years to come.”

The acquisition was made possible by a generous gift from Charles and Celeste Patrick.

This great work is of special significance to the College of Charleston. Classical language and literature formed the basis of instruction when the College opened in 1785. As a result, the College library has gathered extraordinary collections in ancient Greek and Latin – but until now, no Aldine Herodotus.

“Herodotus' Histories marks a monumental turning point as it combines, for the first time, multi-national history with cultural commentary and travel log,” said Professor Darryl Phillips, Chair of the Classics Department at the College. “In Herodotus, we find not only the epic account of Greek resistance to Persian invasion, but also the development of east-west struggles that have dominated history ever since.”

Today, the Artium Baccalaureatus (A.B.) Degree is awarded to students who include in their studies significant coursework in the Classics while graduating in one of the other majors. The College of Charleston is one of the few schools in the United States to offer this prestigious undergraduate degree.

For more information contact Jenny Fowler, Director of Advancement, at the Marlene and Nathan Addlestone Library at the College of Charleston; email: fowlerj@cofc.edu; phone 843.953.6526; http://www.cofc.edu/~library/friendsofthelibrary