"In-folio (41 x 28,5 cm), [4] + 453 pp, beautiful engraved title (by Claude Mellan). The engraved title page represents an angel writing on an obelisk, which nests on a square base; the title itself is inscribed on a scroll carried by three cherubs. With 20 engraved headpieces and initials, twelve vignettes including final ornament. Wide margins but with damp-staining (and moulding) throughout in the lower corner and also in the upper margin. On 2 pages an old ms. translation has been pasted over. Corners of the last 5 lvs. cut out and repaired (not affecting the text). Full calf binding, worn, repairs at the spine, red edges"
A reprint of the first of the Elzevir editions (1624), this magnificent folio is sometimes known as the 'Mazarin edition', since it appeared under the auspices of Cardinal Mazarin. The text was set in Garamond's Greek types, used by the Estienne dynasty of printers, and which subsequently became part of the type holdings of the Imprimerie Royale. Ref. Darlow-M. 4687
