Caesar, Gaius Julius

Median folio (320 x 200mm.), 146 leaves (of 148, without initial and final blanks), [a-b¹⁰ c-e⁸ f-i¹⁰ k-m⁸ n¹⁰ o⁸ p¹⁰ q¹²], 39 lines, roman type, 6-line initial spaces, capital letters with a yellow wash, first page with 6-line illuminated initial and marginal decoration (possibly not contemporary), arms of at foot of page with a tree on a golden mount, at head of page a scroll with lettering and depicting an open book of music, early annotations in different hands, early eighteenth-century Neapolitan tan morocco elaborately gilt with the arms of Martius Pacecco Carafa on both covers, decoration composed of roll-tooled outer border with further border decoration composed of smaller curved and fleur-de-lys tools, spine gilt in compartments, gilt edges, lower corner of [b]10 restored, occasional light foxing, upper joint cracked, extremities slightly rubbed

Marzio Pacecco Carafa Colonna, ninth duke of Maddaloni (Caserta), arms on binding; Sir Edward Sullivan (without his bookplate), sale, Sotheby's, 22 May 1890, lot 1187, £5, to; William O'Brien, bequest bookplate dated 1899

Goff C17; H 4213; BMC v 169; Bod-inc C-005; GW 5864; Grosjean & O'Connell 33

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."

Nicolas Jenson began printing in Venice in 1470, and his business continued in various forms until 1480; he joined forces with Johannes Rauchfas and Peter Ugelheimer after the printing crisis in the mid 1470s. He is famous for his fine roman typeface.

This is the second edition of Caesar, after the editio princeps printed by Sweynheym and Pannartz in 1469, edited by Joannes Andreae. Jenson's editor has not been identified.