Vergilius Maro, Publius

2 parts in one volume, folio (315 x 215mm.), two titles printed in red and black within the same woodcut border, woodcut initials and illustrations, without blank leaf cc6, nineteenth-century crushed brown morocco gilt by J. Larkins, spine gilt in compartments, gilt edges, lacking +2 (containing full-page woodcut only), some wormholes (a few affecting text), occasional light staining, cut close at head (a few headlines shaved at end)

William O'Brien, bequest booklabel dated 1899, and his pencil note "Bought from Stibbs, London, £5-12-6"

von Gültlingen, Sacon 169; Mortimer, Harvard French 537

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."

The numerous woodcuts were originally used for the Grüninger Strassburg edition of 1502, edited by Sebastian Brant, whose verse address to the reader appears on the verso of the title-page. The blocks show evidence of wear; the one on MM6 has a split down the centre. The text was prepared by Jodocus Badius Ascensius, and was first published in this form in Paris in 1500-1501.