Thucydides

Two works in one volume, Super-Chancery folio (11 1/4 x 8 1/8 in.; 285 x 208mm). Thucydides: Text in Greek, with blank leaves AA8 and OP4; first leaf repaired in gutter and at foot. Pausanias: Woodcut Aldine device on title-page and final verso; small holes in first three leaves with loss of several words, cγ2-3 with small section stuck together, small wormhole in gutter enlarging at end, last quire repaired in gutter, slight damp-staining at end, last leaf somewhat soiled. Modern crushed brown morocco in period style, spine lettered in gilt, old red speckled edges; some annotations shaved at head and foredge of leaves.

Sir Richard Morison (c. 1510-1556) and his wife Brigit (inscription in Latin on title-page of Thucydides and at end of Pausanias) — Charles Morison (Richard and Brigit's son, 1549-1599, inscription in Greek on title-page of Thucydides). acquisition: Bernard Quaritch, 1990

Cataldi Palau 17; Censimento 16 CNCE 55824 & 37543; Renouard 33/4 & 76/3; Texas 51 & 130; UCLA 57 & 146

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."

Both editions principes, annotated by Sir Richard Morison and Roger Ascham. This volume contains early manuscript notes in various different hands in Latin and Greek, including Ascham's elegant hand, which has made notes in Greek, Latin and Italian.

Sir Richard Morison was considered the finest propagandist of Henry VIII's time and was a close friend of Thomas Cromwell, though he survived Cromwell's fall. He is known to have acquired books from monastic libraries after the dissolution. Roger Ascham (1514/15-1568), tutor to the future Elizabeth I and author of The Scholemaster, was secretary to Morison during the latter's embassy to the Emperor Charles V from 1550 to 1553, and they are known to have studied Greek together regularly; he also learned Italian from Morison during their travels in Germany. Ascham referred to both Pausanias and Thucydides in his A Report and Discourse of the Affairs and State of Germany which he wrote while on the Continent (see lots 15 and 16). It therefore appears likely that this book was annotated whilst Ascham and Morison

For a document of Mary I and Philip of Spain written by Ascham as her Latin scribe, see lot 556.