ΘΕΟΔΩΡΟΥ ΜΕΤΟΧΙΤΗ [Metochites Theodoros]: Historiae Romanae [Ρωμαική Ιστορία], Lugduni Batavorum [Leiden] 1612. Together: ΝΙΚΗΦΟΡΟΥ ΤΟΥ ΓΡΗΓΟΡΑ [Nicephori Gregorae]: Μονωδία εις τον Μέγα Λογοθέτη Θεόδωρο τον Μετοχίτη [Oratio funebris in mortem magni Logothetae Theodori Metochitae] EDITIO PRINCEPS of a substantial part of the Roman (early Byzantine) history of Michael Glykas (Μιχαήλ Γλυκάς), at first attributed to Theodoros Metochitis, the 14th-century Byzantine statesman, since the newly discovered manuscript carried his name in a second dedicatory work. Small 4to (20 × 14 cm). Contemporary full vellum with light wear and some soiling. Scattered light spotting in a few pages. Parallel original Greek text and Latin translation. Complete: 103 numbered leaves of text (double pages), 22 pages of commentary, and 22 pages of a second work, also in EDITIO PRINCEPS, likewise with Greek text and parallel Latin translation. Overall a very good set. Metochitis, prime minister in early 14th-century Byzantium, was long thought to be the author of this newly published “Roman History.” Only later was it established that the text belonged instead to the “Βραχύ Χρονικόν” (“Short Chronicle”) of Michael Glykas, a 12th-century Byzantine writer. Glykas’ chronicle, covering Byzantine history up to 1118, drew on earlier historians but is remarkable for its language: not the high Atticizing style of court historians, but a simpler, more accessible Greek, incorporating many contemporary popular expressions. The discovery of sections of Glykas’ work was slow and piecemeal, as the Βραχύ Χρονικόν lacked the prestige of classical imitation. Yet it is of great importance both for the historical information it preserves, often unique to Glykas, and for its invaluable testimony to the linguistic evolution of Greek in the Middle Ages. References: Hoffmann III 502; Krumbacher 384.