Sallustius Crispus, Gaius

folio (350 x 247mm.), text in Spanish and Latin, gilt borders stamped on title-page, engraved portrait of Sallust, engraved initials, head- and tailpieces, 9 engraved plates (including a map of North Africa), engraved illustrations, CONTEMPORARY RED MOROCCO GILT BY PASQUAL CARSI Y VIDAL (with his label), with neoclassical motifs, spine gilt in compartments, red morocco doublures gilt with green silk liners, edges marbled and gilt, green silk page marker, extremities very slightly rubbed, upper cover slightly faded

"Acheson 1837", inscription on flyleaf, and morocco booklabel with motto "vigilantibus", i.e. Archibald Acheson, 3rd earl of Gosford, sale, Puttick and Simpson, 21 April 1884, lot 2608 ("a fine specimen of ornamental Spanish binding"), £3-3s, to Stibbs; £5-5s, price in pencil on flyleaf; William O'Brien, bequest booklabel dated 1899; library stamp on title-page

Cohen-De Ricci 938; Palau 288134 ("esta obra tiene fama de ser la más bien impresa de España")

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."

AN EXQUISITE COPY, on large crisp and clean paper with a very fine binding. Pascual Carsi y Vidal was bookbinder to the king and was influenced by neoclassical decoration during a visit to England. Another copy of the Ibarra Sallust with a Carsi y Vidal binding was in the Hans Furstenberg Collection, sold at Sotheby's, December 1995. For a Carsi y Vidal binding with very similar neoclassical decoration using some of the same tools, see British Library c.183.b5, a 1798 Didot edition of Vergil.

The translation is attributed to Infante Don Gabriel, and revised by Pérez Bayer.