I have long wanted to do something with the sermons of Eusebius of Emesa (d. ca. 360 AD). These exist in an ancient Latin translation, which was published back in 1953 by E. M. Buytaert.1 But I never have, simply because I have never had access to it. It’s a great publication, a solid piece of work: but you never see anything about it. I suppose this is because nobody takes Eusebius of Emesa seriously. He was a quiet, old-fashioned, scholarly figure, who left little mark on the Arian controversies.
Anyway, last week I weakened, and I ordered an actual physical copy of volume 1 brand-new from Peeters in Louvain. It’s not really that expensive – about 30 euros, plus modest postage.
This morning I had to go out and drag something round the side of the house. When I did so, I found, behind the garden gate, a parcel. Oh no. For it was gently raining.
The courier had not troubled to leave a note, and no electronic communications had taken place. Indeed I didn’t even have a delivery date.
In my own future interests, I decided to complain to the courier company. Their “help page” was plainly designed to wear-out and baffle, rather than help. So I wrote to the CEO, telling him the story in a nice way, and asking if he could give the delivery driver a spanking. This afternoon I got a very nice email back from the poor girl charged with fielding complaints, who evidently got a chuckle out of my phrasing. Apparently it had been dropped off yesterday.
But first I brought it in, nervously, and unwrapped it. Multiple layers of too-soft cardboard. But thankfully Peeters had shrink-wrapped the book itself in plastic, inside the packaging. It’s fine.
Amusingly this must be *modern* shrink-wrapping, because grimy finger-prints were visible underneath it on the paper cover!
The marks are actually less visible on the real thing – the camera deceives, as we all know.
I’ve not looked inside it yet for an unexpected reason. You see, I bought this new. But this is no modern reproduction. This is clearly from the original print run. Peeters must have a stack of volumes that has sat there ever since 1953, for the last 73* years. And, being a product of a different time, the pages are uncut!
It’s rather a privilege to have it. But I’m sure that Dr Buytaert would be less sentimental, and tell me to get on, cut the pages and read what he had to say.
* 73 years, not 23!
I do so enjoy reading your blog Roger!
That’s very kind – thank you!