The Book of Governors. The Historia Monastica of Thomas, Bishop of Marga A. D. 480 (Two Volumes) Edited from Syriac Manuscripts in the British Museum and Other Libraries. Vol. 1 Syriac Text, Introduction, Etc. Vol. 2 The English Translation.
London: Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co. Ltd., 1893. First Edition. Hardcover. Thick octavos. Two volumes (complete), ccvi+ 410pp & 732pp. Original maroon cloth with gilt titles, etc. to spines and front covers, blind rules, b&w fold-out frontis map, index. The complete Syriac text, with English translation, of 'The Book of Governors,' - better known as 'The Historia Monastica of Thomas of Marga.' Thomas was a ninth century monk at the renowned Nestorian monastery of Beth 'Abhe, east of Mosul, who was later appointed a Bishop of the Nestorian Church. During his bishopric he composed The Book of Governors, a history of his own monastery, which also includes biographies of other Mesopotamian religious figures. Budge observed that the work"occupies an unique position in Syriac literature, and it fully deserves the veneration with which it has been and is still regarded by all classes of Nestorians to whom it is known." Boards lightly chafed at edges, corners and spine ends lightly bruised, spines very slightly darkened, owner's initials on front endpapers, most pages in volume 1 unopened (uncut), paper a bit toned but text fresh and unmarked. Overall a tight, and unmarked better than VG set. Scarce. Item #16046
Price: $300.00