Appiani Alexandrini Romanarum Historiarum: Celtica, Libyca, vel Carthaginensis, Illyrica, Syriaca, Parthica, Mithridatica, Ciuilis, quinque libris distincta. Paris: C. Estienne, 1551, folio.
THE EDITIO PRINCEPS OF APPIAN'S HISTORY OF ROME.
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A very rare edition, being the editio princeps of Appian's important histories which covers the Roman wars up to the time of Vespasian. Schreiber in his bibliography speaks very highly indeed of this edition, saying "This volume is generally cited as the supreme example of the use of the Royal Greek types; it is in fact the first classical text printed in all three sizes of the Grecs du Roi." This is perhaps the most excellent copy one could hope to encounter as it pertains to the condition of the text block. It is exceptionally clean and bright.
A similar copy sold at Sotheby's December 3rd 2019 lot 144 which realised £3,750, though the text of our copy is much more fresh.
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Size: 226 x 346 mm (approx.)
Condition:
[(2), A1-8, B1-z6, Aa1-Ii6, Klz1-4, (2)]
Modern half calf over marbled paper backed boards, very minor rubbing, else generally in fine condition, very attractive on the shelf. Tooled red morocco label affixed to the spine reading 'Appianus Alexandrinu'. Both boards are securely attached, the binding is structurally fine and functions properly as a book should. The binding is not overly tight and is very well bound indeed. No attached bookplates. Modern endpapers, a little foxed. Some minor dampstaining to the head of the first few leaves, terminating circa leaf B1. Without any marginalia. Exceptionally clean throughout the text block, essentially in very fine condition - the dream copy of the Victorian collector. Truly a remarkable copy of this scarce editio princeps of Appian.
[Schreiber 126; USTC 150747].
