Démosthène / Eschine / Auger - Œuvres complètes de Démosthène et d'Eschine
Complete works of Demosthenes and Aeschines, translated into French With remarks on the harangues and pleas of these two orators Preceded by a preliminary discourse on eloquence and other interesting objects; a historical account of the constitution of Greece, the government of Athens, and the life of Philip; of a treatise on the jurisdiction and laws of Athens, etc... By M. L'Abbé Auger - in Paris, at Bossange, Masson & Besson, Year 2 of the Republican era (1793 - 1794) - full contemporary marbled sheepskin - in-8 - 13 x 20.5 cm.
Condition: Upper crowns missing on 5 volumes, joints in good condition, solid hinges, a few dented corners, spine with raised bands adorned with fleurons, gilt volume numbers and title labels, scattered foxing, red edges. Complete in 6 volumes. Copy in good condition.
Book illustrated with a frontispiece and a folding map (brown ink spots on the map).
Demosthenes (384-322 BC) was a famous ancient Greek orator, considered one of the greatest of all time. He was known for his ability to persuade crowds through his eloquence and rhetoric. Demosthenes played an important role in the political life of ancient Greece, especially during the period of the Peloponnesian War and Macedonian domination. He is famous for his political speeches, such as the "Philippians", which called for resistance against the Macedonian conquest of Greece. Despite health problems and political setbacks, Demosthenes continued to be an influential figure until his death. His legacy as an orator and advocate for democracy has endured through the centuries, and his writings are still studied today.
Aeschines (c. 389-314 BC) was an ancient Greek politician and orator, a contemporary of Demosthenes. He was from Athens and began his political career by serving as a secretary to the orator Callistrate. Aeschines later became an important member of the pro-Macedonian party in Athens and was often in conflict with Demosthenes, who was a fierce political opponent.
Aeschines is best known for his role in the trial of his rival Demosthenes, known as the "Trial of the Crown" in 330 BC. Aeschines accused Demosthenes of taking bribes from the Macedonian king, Philip II, but ultimately lost the case and was forced to leave Athens. Later in life, Aeschines taught the art of rhetoric and also wrote several speeches and treatises on Greek politics and history. His work has been less well preserved than that of Demosthenes, but it remains an important source of information on the political life of Greek antiquity.