La pharsale traduite en vers français par Brébeuf

Illustrated first issue (figures before letters). Text established with notes and commentary by Billecocq. Lucian's original text precedes that of Brébeuf for each canto. 10 figures by Perrin in the neo-classical taste engraved by De Ghendt, Romanet... (tissue guards with legends follow the engravings).
Contemporary full speckled calf binding. Smooth spines decorated with 2 suns and 2 fleurons. Red morocco title label and green morocco volume label. Corners slightly bumped. Rubbing to joints. A dampstain in the upper margin of figure 10. A handsome copy.
It was through this work that Brébeuf established his reputation as a poet. This is not a translation, but a free recreation based on the original as explained by the commentator, in flowing verse; although the author did not stray from Lucian's plan, the first eight books deal with the wars between Caesar and Pompey and the last two with expeditions in North Africa. Brébeuf sought to equal his illustrious ancient model and fully succeeded in this challenge, which earned him Boileau's criticism.