The Gennadius Library is pleased to announce the acquisition of an exceptionally rare and significant work: Novo Epitome da Gramatica Grega de Porto Real, authored by João Jacinto de Magalhães and printed in Paris by Firmin Didot in 1760. Recognized, according to the classicist Carlos Morais , as “the first Greek grammar printed in the Portuguese language”   this pioneering text represents a crucial step in the development of Greek studies in Portugal.

João Jacinto de Magalhães (1722–1790) was a Portuguese polymath, physicist, and linguist, widely recognized for his contributions to natural sciences and education. A prominent figure in the intellectual circles of the European Enlightenment, he was in contact with notable figures such as Benjamin Franklin. His scientific pursuits led to significant advancements in astronomy, meteorology, and experimental physics, particularly through his work on barometers and thermometers. Although he spent much of his career abroad, his impact on Portuguese education remained profound.

Magalhães was deeply engaged in linguistic education, particularly in modernizing Greek studies in Portugal. His Novo Epitome da Gramatica Grega (1760) was the first Greek grammar to be printed in Portuguese, making the language more accessible to students without relying on intermediary Latin texts. While Greek-Latin grammars had existed in Portugal since the Renaissance, his work represented a crucial pedagogical shift by addressing students directly in their native tongue. This innovation mirrored broader educational reforms of the time, aiming to modernize and enhance Greek language instruction.

                                                                        

The history of the book’s publication is as fascinating as its content. It was printed in Paris rather than Lisbon, likely due to the scarcity of Greek typefaces and skilled typographers in Portugal at the time. However, this decision led to controversy. As Carlos Morais has documented, an unknown number of copies originally included a frontispiece and a dedicatory letter to Pedro da Costa de Almeida Salema, Portugal’s ambassador to France, acknowledging his support. Shortly after circulation began, these elements were removed and replaced with an altered title page omitting the author's name and place of publication. This excision, which remains a subject of scholarly debate, likely stemmed from political sensitivities—either disputes between Magalhães and Salema or the unauthorized dedication of a royal commission to a private patron.

Beyond its historical intrigue, Novo Epitome is a testament to the shifting educational landscape of 18th-century Portugal. The expulsion of the Jesuits in 1759 left a void in classical instruction, particularly in Greek, and Magalhães’ grammar sought to fill that gap. His work was inspired by Claude Lancelot’s Nouvelle méthode pour apprendre facilement la langue grecque (1655), commonly known as the Port-Royal Grammar. However, Magalhães streamlined Lancelot’s system from 134 rules to 101, incorporating his own refinements. Notably, he devoted considerable effort to accurate pronunciation, consulting native Greek speakers for guidance.

The book exists in two distinct states, as noted by the bibliographer Innocêncio. The first retains the original Didot title page, crediting the author, while the second features an anonymous Lisbon imprint, marked “com todas as Licenças necessarias.” Both variants are exceedingly rare, with only a handful of known copies worldwide. The presence of this landmark publication in the Gennadius Library will provide scholars with invaluable insight into the history of Greek pedagogy in Portugal and the broader intellectual currents of the 18th century.

Information provided by the vendor David Rueger, Editio Altera Rare Books & Manuscripts.

References

  • Inocêncio III, 385.
  • Morais, Carlos. “Artes de gramática para o ensino do Grego em Portugal: Clenardo e João Jacinto de Magalhães.” Kléos No. 19 (2015), pp. 259-289.
  • Morais, Carlos. “A gramática de Grego de João Jacinto de Magalhães no contexto da reforma pombalina.” Ágora. Estudos Clássicos em Debate Vol. 1 (1999), pp. 75-103.