Politics & Poetics. By Aristotle. Translated by Benjamin Jowett and B.H. Butcher. Illustrations by Leonard Baskin. Collector’s Edition. Easton Press. Norwalk, 1979.

Aristotle is arguably the most influential Greek philosopher over the span of Western history. Centuries after his life, both Christian and Muslim theologies elevated Aristotle as one philosopher whose works could be recomposited to fit religious doctrines, allowing Aristotle to remain relevant through the Middle Ages. During his lifetime, he was a student of Plato and the tutor of Alexander the Great. He was a quintessential polymath, writing on all subjects, defining numerous fields, including rhetoric, art criticism, and political theory. In this volume, his Politics & Poetics, two of his most influential, are paired in brilliant translation. They are also paired with portrait illustrations by Leonard Baskin. These illustrations adapt the expected portrait forms with more expressionist, 20th century methods. Baskin was a landmark sculptor, printer, and artist who famously published important works under his Gehenna Press. This collector’s edition of Aristotle is a unique appearance of his portrait engravings outside his own press.

This collector’s edition is in fine condition. In the original slate leather boards, finely gilt stamped. Raised bands. Gilt spine label. Text block fine. Gilt edges. Silk moire endpapers and bookmark sewn in.

A spectacular collector’s copy of Aristotle’s Politics & Poetics.