Suidas

2 volumes, Super-Median folio (334 x 233mm.), 516 leaves, α-ω ααα-λλλ⁸; Α-Ω ΑΑ-ΔΔ⁸ ΕΕ-ΖΖ⁶, with the corrected text on the final leaf and the two missing words supplied in manuscript (see BMC), 46 lines, Greek type, 3- to 5-line initial spaces, woodcut printer's device at end, α3 of volume 1 and Α1 of volume 2 with fine later decoration, α3 within a baroque architectural frame with gilt borders (some gilding rubbed) and an armorial in a cartouche at the foot and an 8-line initial in gold, Α1 inside an architectural frame of columns on a plinth with armorial attached to a column, eighteenth-century French navy morocco gilt in the style of Padeloup, flat spines gilt "à la grotesque", gilt edges, slight water-staining at foredge of vol.1, extremities rubbed, a few small scrapes, spines slightly faded

David Callaghan, armorial bookplates

Goff S829; HC 15135; BMC vi 792 (with copies in both the uncorrected and corrected text on the final leaf); Bod-inc S-333; GW M44268; Legrand I, 25

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."

A very fine copy of the editio princeps of Suidas, the name given to this Byzantine encyclopaedic dictionary compiled towards the end of the tenth century, based on earlier works such as the fifth-century lexicon of Hesychius. Chalcondylas (1423-1511) was a Greek emigré who taught Greek to many of the most eminent scholars of fifteenth-century Italy. Together with two of his former pupils as investors, he engaged the printers to produce a print run of 800 copies, and the books were to be offered for sale by Scinzenzeler and Joannes de Romano. The text on the first leaf contains a dialogue by Stefani Negri (a pupil of Chalcondylas) between the bookseller (βιβλιοπωλης) and a student (φιλομαθης), which mentions the price of the book, three ducats.

Chalcondylas was also responsible for the editiones principes of Homer (see lot 201) and Isocrates (see lot 205).

For the Aldine edition of 1514, see lots 239-240.