Joseph-Juste SCALIGER

Apud Mamertum Patissonium, Roberti Stephani (Mamert Patisson, Robert Estienne), Lutetiae (Paris) 1579, in-8 (10x16 cm), (12)136pp(8); 292pp(10), 2 parts bound in one volume

First edition, rare. The first part has separate pagination and consists of the text by Manilius (italics), the second part, which has its own title page and pagination, contains Scaliger's commentary, which is twice as long as the text. This second part is accompanied by several diagrams, including inset. Printer's marks on both title pages.

Full contemporary parchment. Spine with title in black ink. Right corner missing a little on the upper board. Open 3mm border on the lower board.

Elzevirian edition of the text of Julius Caesar, following the review established by the philologist and humanist historian Joseph Justus Scaliger (1540-1609), associated with the University of Leiden; this posthumous edition appeared twenty-six years after Scaliger’s death.

A desirable copy exhibiting all the distinguishing features of the first issue: 

• The buffalo head decorating the headpiece vignette of the dedication and of page 1
• Page 149 is misnumbered 153
• Page 335 is misnumbered 345
• Page 475 is misnumbered 375
• The index printed in italic type

Engraved title-page, two ornamental headpiece vignettes, a portrait of...