Rare manuscript of Plato’s greatest works to be sold in online auction

·

A rare early Renaissance manuscript of two of Plato’s greatest dialogues, Phaedo and Gorgias, will be sold at an online auction for an estimated $200,000.

This is the first Plato manuscript of comparable quality to be offered at the ‘Bonhams Important Manuscript’ auction in the past 50 years.

Written around 1420, the compilation of essential works begins with Plato’s arguments for the immortality of the soul from the point-of-view of Socrates’ death-bed, and includes Bruni’s influential Cicero Novus, as well as a series of important Bruni translations of Demosthenes and Aeschines.

A look at the inside of the rare Plato manuscript. Source: Bonhams.

Book and Manuscript specialist at Bonhams New York, Darren Sutherland, said such an early Renaissance manuscript of Plato is very rare today.

“Early Renaissance manuscripts of Plato are very rare. His works were essentially lost during the Middle Ages, and their rediscovery at the beginning of the Renaissance sparked a revolution in thought that transformed the arts and sciences and continues unfolding today.”

Plato is well-known for his emphasis on the importance of mathematics to philosophy, and his thought was eagerly embraced by Renaissance scientists, laying the foundation for modern understanding of number and science.

Phaedo is one of Plato’s best-known dialogues and sits alongside the philosopher’s Republic and Symposium as the master works of his middle period.

The Important Manuscript auction offers a curated collection of 10 world-class manuscripts celebrating the thinkers and ideas that have transformed the world.

Spanning 600 years of history, these manuscripts highlight critical moments in the evolution of western culture. Individually and collectively, they speak to the sensibility and needs of the modern age.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Victorian government launches Anti-Hate Taskforce after wave of antisemitic attacks

A man has been charged in connection with an alleged arson attack on a historic synagogue in East Melbourne.

Summer soundtrack: The ultimate guide to Greek concerts and festivals in 2025

Wherever you are in the country, The Greek Herald has the inside scoop on must-see performances to catch during your summer escape.

Michael Zannis: The Greek Aussie cricket star redefining blindness

Michael Zannis has turned his ‘disability’ into his superpower. He lives as everyone else does and is thriving.

Greek olive oil today: Production, use and export data

Greek olive oil is consumed in large quantities in Greece today. Still, the small population leaves plenty of oil for export.

Greece ranks fifth highest in Europe for short-term rental prices

Greece has become the fifth most expensive destination in Europe for short-term rentals, with the average nightly rate reaching 250 euros.

You May Also Like

Tunic of Alexander the Great discovered?

A group of archaeologists, led by Antonis Bartziokas may have uncovered the sacred “chiton,” or tunic, of Alexander the Great.

New era for Philhellene restaurant at Moonee Ponds

Moonee Ponds' legendary Greek restaurant is embarking on an exciting new chapter under the stewardship of Paul Chatzis

Greek Studies Program at Victoria’s La Trobe University is here to stay

At an event organised on Wednesday, it was announced that the Greek Studies Program at La Trobe University in Victoria is here to stay.