Estienne, Henri.

8vo (166 x 102mm.), [32], 159, [1 (blank)] pp., illustration: woodcut printer's device on title-page, woodcut initials, binding: later vellum-backed blue boards

Renouard, Estienne p.125; Schreiber 156

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

first edition of Henri Estienne's treatise on the similarities between French and Classical Greek, as opposed to Latin. His claims are not as extreme as those of Trippault, whose Celt-hellenisme of 1582 (see lot 4792) ascribed the foundation of the French language to Greek; Estienne's concern was to show similarity to, not descent from Greek, and thereby distance modern French from degenerate Latin (i.e. Italian), the language of the anti-Protestant Catherine de Médicis.