"The simple and close imitation of a Greek original was not unusual with Alciati. He took the thoughts or even the exact expressions of ancient authors, and out of them fashioned what for the time suited his purpose." -Henry Green, Andrea Alciati and his Books of Emblems (1872) Andrea Alciati and his Books of Emblems (1872) by Henry Green is a compilation of information about one of the most influential individuals and lawyers of the 16th and 17th century. Alciati's identification and explanation of emblems was used extensively as a reference for scholars interpreting art and literature. This book provides a thorough biography of Alciati, examples of the emblems he studied, and a bibliography of the multiple editions of Alciati's landmark book. Alciati's work transcends time as it explains many common emblems such as the reason why lions are placed at the front of a government building. Any art lover or student of history will enjoy this engaging text.