Ovidius Naso, Publius

12mo (144 x 82mm.), third edition, small woodcut vignette on title page, later straight-grained dark green morocco, ruled in gilt, gilt edges, occasional ink annotations, lacking two preliminary leaves and final blank, some soiling to endpapers, minor loss to lower corner of N12 (not affecting text)

John Smith, ownership inscription on title and final page of index; J. Wotton [?], ownership inscription on title; W. A. Pope, booklabel; William O’Brien, bequest book label dated 1899

Sabin 76459; STC 18967

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."

RARE. Sandys had completed the first five books of his translation of the Metamorphoses by 1621, the year he left for Virginia to take up the position as treasurer for the colony. He finished two more books on the voyage, and by the time he returned to England in 1625, the translation was complete. The first edition was published in 1626, Sandys having secured the rights to print and sell the work exclusively for twenty-one years.