Scriptores Historiae Augustae

Chancery folio (298 x 218mm.), 143 leaves (of 303), A⁴ B^10-1 C-R⁸ S¹⁰, 40 lines, roman type, ruled in red, first leaf of text with illuminated initial "O" with white vine stem decoration on a coloured ground, unidentified coat of arms at foot of page with the initials ZA AN on either side, 6-line initial spaces with printed guides, late eighteenth-century green morocco with triple gilt fillet border (possibly by Derome), spine gilt in compartments, gilt edges, without parts 1 and 3, signatures cropped, a few small stains, binding slightly discoloured

extract from a sale catalogue, lot 11231, pasted to inside front cover, stating that the binding is by Derome; "Collated & Perfect, Sept 27/[18]64, WHH", pencil note on rear flyleaf, with typed label "Lord Monson"

Goff S340; HC 14561; BMC vi 702; Bod-inc S-117; GW M44203

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 book contains the complete second part (of three) of the editio princeps of the Historia Augusta, a chronological compilation of historical biographies. The section here contains the lives of the emperors and numerous rival claimants from Hadrian to Carus, Carinus and Numerianus, covering the years 117 to 284, when Diocletian took the purple and ended the anarchy of the Empire's third century crisis which averaged an emperor a year. It is a valuable source for the events of the period, despite the salacious episodes favoured by the authors.