Plinius Secundus, Gaius (23-79 AD).

2 parts in 3 volumes, folio (437 x 277mm.), [32], 790; [2], 835, [3]; [1], 836-1289, [1]pp., illustration: double-page engraved map, 11 engraved plates, woodcut initials and tailpieces, binding: contemporary speckled calf, gilt arms of Rochechouart de Mortemart (Olivier 722) stamped on covers, spine elaborately gilt incorporating Olivier's fascé 2, lettering-pieces, pages browned, a few tiny tears with very slight loss to a couple of letters, occasional light spotting, a few light creases, binding of first volume scraped

Louis de Rochechouart, duc de Mortemart (1681-1746) with his ownership inscription "je suis au duc de Mortemart" on the title-page of each volume

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."

This is a famous edition of Pliny, originally "ad usum Delphini". The editor, Jean Hardouin (1646-1729), a Jesuit, was a keen student of numismatics and chronology, and those skills led him to an outrageous belief in literary forgeries (see A. Momigliano, Contributo alla storia degli studi classici (1955), pp.67-106 and A. Grafton, Bring out your dead (Harvard University Press, 2001), pp.18-207: "Jean Hardouin the antiquary as pariah").