HORATIUS.

Splendid first illustrated edition of the works of Horace Opera. Cum quibusdam annotationibus.

      Strassburg, Johannes Reinhard Grüninger, 1498. - Folio. Elegant 19th century gilt dark green morocco. Large woodcut on title, and over 160 woodcuts in text. (6), 207, (1 blank), (6) lvs. First illustrated edition of Horace, edited by the poet laureate Jacob Locher, and founded on German manuscripts. Since this is the first edition based on German manuscripts, in stead of Italian, Brunet considers it an "editio princeps". This edition is of great interest because of the splendid illustrations. They were probably made by artists from Terenz, near Strasbourg. The woodcut on the title, repeated at the beginning of each of the 8 books, depicts Jacob Locher studying. On the second leaf is a charming image of the Nine Muses, of which Calliope is shown enthroned, crowning the kneeling Horace. The first book, Carmina, opens with a large woodcut of Horace, facing Mecenas with two attendants. Another interesting woodcut also in the first book, is at the beginning of the second ode. Here Julius Caesar is shown in oriental costume with scimiter, turban and imperal crown, being slain by Brutus and Cassius. All woodcuts are in splendid impressions. The present copy also contains some manuscript inscriptions, including a 15th century note at the end by a professor at the University of Louvain: "Istius Libri possessor est Johannis de Delft.morali(bus) lovanii pedagogio lilii". The work is complete with the index at the end. Fine copy. BMC I, 112; Goff H 461; Hain-Copinger *8898; Fairfax Murray 205. [Attributes: First Edition; Hard Cover]