CURTIUS RUFUS: ALEXANDER MAGNUS in illum commentaries Samuelis Pitisci. Hagae 1708 Scarce early 18th century edition, large in 8vo,contemporary full leather slightly trimmed,upper joint slightly damaged at head,text clean and bright,complete,very richly illustrated with four (4) maps and 14 fine copper plates (several folded),overall a very good copy. Alexander expedition is among the most important human achievements of early history and attracted admiration from early times, the Rufus detailed presentation written during Roman times became a classic. This edition of Quintus Curtius Rufus’s history of Alexander the Great is a scholarly work edited by the Dutch classicist Samuel Pitiscus.Printed in The Hague, it is widely regarded as the most comprehensive and best of his versions with extensive scholarly commentary. Pitiscus synthesized information from nearly 700 Greek and Latin authors to explain the customs, military tactics, and geography of the Persians, Macedonians, and Babylonians mentioned in the text. Curtius Rufus’s original work is missing its first two books. This edition includes the famous Supplements, by Johann Freinsheim, which reconstructed the lost beginning of Alexander’s story to provide a continuous narrative.It is highly prized for its engravings and maps,.and includes the Dissertatio de Curtio by La Mothe Le Vayer, providing a critical analysis of Curtius's style and historical reliability. Many of the fine plates were executed by Johan van den Avele after designs by G. Hoet.A landmark edition for anyone dealing with Alexander books.