The Works of Publius Virgilius Maro. Translated, adorn'd with Sculpture, and illustrated with Annotations, By John Ogilby. London: Thomas Warren, 1654, folio.
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A beautiful example of the first illustrated edition of Ogilby's Virgil, also the first edition in folio, highly sought after for the beautiful engravings by Hollar, Lombart, and Faitborne, as well as the fine bifold map showing the travels of Aeneas. This is often described as being the greatest edition of Virgil ever produced in English. This copy being textually complete with all 100 engravings including the bifold map makes it a fantastic example.
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Size: 260 x 388 mm (approx.)
Condition:
[(2), A-Z4, Aa-Zz4, Aaa-Zzz4, Aaaa-Dddd4, (1)]
Circa early 19th century full calf with board borders decorated in gilt, also to the turn-ins. Attractively rebacked with some restoration to the corners. Binding rubbed, but well presented overall. Both boards are securely attached, the binding is secure, hinges reinforced contemporaneously with the rebacking. Stands without shelf lean. Title leaf laid down lacking the upper corner, the 'KS.' of the title provided in MS facsimile circa before 1808. Pagination corrected in an early hand from ~pp.420 onwards. Various errors in the signatures, but collates as complete through the entire text (i.e. from the title leaf onwards), but lacks the frontis and portrait, as well as the original blanks. Map slightly trimmed as often (pictured), fine repair on verso not visible on recto. Several quotes from various bibliographers lauding the beauty of this edition written to front free endpaper verso as well as some cuttings from old book dealer catalogues who sold this book historically. Some scattered spotting and the occasional small stain, but generally fresh and clean throughout. The illustrations are very attractive. A lovely copy of this beautiful edition.
[Wing V610].
