"THE EASIEST THING IN THE WORLD IS SELF-DECEIT; FOR EVERY MAN BELIEVES WHAT HE WISHES, THOUGH THE REALITY IS OFTEN DIFFERENT"

DEMOSTHENES. The Olynthiac and Other Public Orations. WITH: The Orations of Demosthenes on the Crown and on the Embassy. New York: Harper & Brothers, 1862. Two volumes. Octavo, contemporary three-quarter brown morocco, raised bands, $600.

Charles Rann Kennedy's translation of the inspiring and passionate speeches of Demosthenes, one of the greatest public speakers of all time.

Athenian statesman Demosthenes spent most of his political career warning his fellow citizens against the expansionist policies of Philip II of Macedon and attempting to preserve Athens' freedom while restoring the city to its former glory. After Philip's death, Demosthenes played a leading part in his city's uprising against the new King of Macedon, Alexander the Great. His efforts were met with harsh Macedonian reprisals, eventually compelling him to take his own life rather than suffer arrest and imprisonment. Kennedy's translation was first published in London in 1841.

Infrequent light foxing to text, binding handsome.