Estienne, Charles

4to (218 x 150mm.), woodcut initial and headpieces, modern morocco, lacking î2 and T4 (both blanks) and T3 (errata), title-page neatly repaired at edges, last few leaves (part of index) encapsulated and repaired with some loss of text

Dr K. Lindner, Bibliotheca Tiliana, stamp on verso of title-page, sale, Zisska & Kistner, 6 May 2003, lot 682

IA 165.309

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 IN FRENCH of Estienne's classic text on how to manage a country estate, which was completed with the help of his son-in-law Jean Liébault as Estienne had been imprisoned for debt, and he died in prison early in the year of publication of this edition. Various sections had been printed separately from the late 1530s onwards, which were then gathered together under the title Praedium rusticum in 1554. This French edition was rewritten and adapted for French growing conditions, and later editions were substantially enlarged by Liébault and provided with illustrations. It was quickly translated into other European languages and there were over twenty editions published in French alone by the mid-seventeenth century.