Travels of Anacharsis the Younger in Greece
by J.J. Barthélemy
| Travels of Anacharsis the Younger in Greece | |
 Title page from Travels of Anacharsis the Younger in Greece, volume three, George Wythe Collection, Wolf Law Library, College of William & Mary. | |
| Author | J.J. Barthélemy |
| Translator | William Beaumont |
| Published | London: G.G. and J. Robinson |
| Date | 1796 |
| Language | English |
| Volumes | 5 volume set |
| Desc. | 8vo (22 cm.) |
| Location | Shelf B-4 |
Jean-Jacques Barthélemy (1716-1795) was a French writer who was especially interested in the classics and numismatics[1]—the study or collection of coins, paper money, and currency in general.[2] Barthélemy worked as the Keeper of the Royal Collection of Metals, and continued his post during the French Revolution.[3] Barthelemy's most famous work is Voyage du Jeune Anacharsis en Grèce, dans le Milieu du Quatrième Siècle avant l’ère Vulgaire (Travels of Anacharsis the Younger in Greece), first published in 1788. The four volumes tell the story of a young Scythian man, a descendant of the philosopher in the title, who tours Greece and writes about the customs and idiosyncrasies of each place he visits.[4] It is considered a cultural view of Greek civilization, rather than a strict recitation of facts.[5] "Recent archaeological discoveries have shown some of the statements to be erroneous, but on the whole the book remains a very successful attempt to diffuse a correct knowledge of Greek manners and customs."[6] Barthélemy's signature work was reprinted multiple times, and in several English translations beginning in 1790.
Evidence for Inclusion in Wythe's Library
Listed in the Jefferson Inventory of Wythe's Library as "Anacharsis. Eng. 5.v. 8vo. Eng." Thomas Jefferson gave Wythe's copy to his grandson Thomas Jefferson Randolph. The precise edition owned by Wythe is debatable. English, octavo editions were published in London in 1796 and Dublin in 1795. George Wythe's Library[7] on LibraryThing includes information for the London edition while also adding the note, "Copy probably now at University of Virginia: Volume 1 inscribed: 'Thomas M. Randolph' Volume 2 inscribed: 'Thomas Jefferson Randolph, Monticello, June 3d, 1809, Friday 3d, Edgehill.'." The UVA copy is the 1795 Dublin edition. Accordingly, the Brown Bibliography][8] lists this edition based on T. J. Randolph's signature on the front fly-leaf of volume two. This copy also has Thomas Mann Randolph's signature on the front boards of volumes one and two. It has no bookplate or signature definitively linking it to Wythe. It's probably, but not definitive that Wythe owned the Dublin edition. Still, the Wolf Law Library purchased a copy of the 1796 London edition when it became available.
Description of the Wolf Law Library's copy
Bound in contemporary, full speckled calf with raised bands and gilt rules to spine. Features gilt lettering on red morocco title labels and black volume labels. Includes a Latin inscription to Daniel Keith on the front flyleaf of volume one. Purchased from Antiquariat Galerie Joy.
Images of the library's copy of this book are available on Flickr. View the record for this book in William & Mary's online catalog.