ERASMUS, Desiderius [1469-1536]

Apophthegmatum opus cum primis frugiferu[m], vigilanter ab ipso recognitum authore, è Græco codice correctis aliquot locis, in quibus interpres Diogenis Laërtii lapsus erat, Desiderio Erasmo Rot. Authore

Lutetiae [Paris]: Rob. Stephanus, 1547. Full Leather. Small Octavo. Very Good. Item #33724

(6½" x 4"). Pp. 740, [44] index. Woodcut Estienne device on title, text in italic letter. Later 18th century full crimson morocco binding, sides with triple gilt fillets, spine ornately gilt in compartments between raised bands, gilt inner dentelles, marbled endpapers, a.e.g. Light wear to extremities, spine gilt a little rubbed, occasional light marginal foxing to text, narrow strip cut away from upper margin of title, not affecting letterpress (neatly repaired), but overall a nice clean copy in an elegant and well-preserved binding. First published in 1531, Erasmus' "Apophthegmata" (or "winged words") was a collection of wise sayings and anecdotes from famous Greek and Roman philosophers and statesmen, designed to enhance the speech of orators and instruct young scholars on the fine points of Latin style. A work of Erasmus' later years, the "Apophthegmata" was intended as a continuation of his "Adagia". It was exceedingly popular in the 16th century and often reprinted, although there is only one Estienne edition. BM STC French p. 153. Renouard 70: 18.

Price (CAD): $2,250.00