APPIANUS - Lot 272

Lot n° 272
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Estimation :
3000 - 4000 EUR
APPIANUS - Lot 272
APPIANUS Romanarum historiarum [Graece]. Paris, CharLes Estienne, 1551. In-folio (343 x 221 mm) 393 pp, 1 f.n.ch. Half calf with corners, spine gilt, gilt edges, author's name in ink on the edge (18th century Italian binding). Renouard, Estienne, 102:4; Schreiber, 126; Adams, A-1340; Updike, Printing Types, I, pp. 237-238). Editio princeps of the history of the Roman wars, written by Appian covering Roman history up to the rise of Vespasian (70 AD). "This volume is generally cited as the supreme example of the use of the Royal Greek types; it is, in fact, the first classical text printed in all three sizes of the 'king's Greek' (first used together the preceding year in the New Testament" (Schreiber). "One of the most exquisite books printed from these fonts is Charles and Robert Estienne's Greek edition of Appian... All three sizes of type are used in it. The type in mass, and the proportion and imposition of the titlepage, are very splendid, and there is another reason for looking at it. The superb decorations and initials by Tory... are wonderful, in their accord with the color of the Greek text, in their printable qualities, and their grace of design" (Updike). Spine skilfully renewed, some foxing. Provenance: Religious College (inscription partly obscured).
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