Terentius Publius Afer — Publii Terentii Afri Comoediae

Birmingham, England, Typis Johannis Baskerville, 1772. First Edition Thus. Hardcover. Size: Large 8vo 9" - 10. Technically, this would qualify as the First Edition Thus, having been preceded slightly (in the same year) by the duodecimo version. The so-called Baskerville Edition collects together plays such as Andria, Eunuchus, Heautontimorumenos, Adelphi, Phormio and Hecyra all and each of which have their own separate titles and menu of actors. Johannis (John) Baskerville (1706-1775) began in about 1750 to become a typographer and typefounder. 307 pp. Overall, quite a nice copy, still solid text-block, though front board is detached, having been rebound but perhaps incorporating some of the original boards. Four raised bands to spine, gilt-tooled fleurs-de-lis, gilt ruled borders to both covers, and gorgeous new endpapers. The spine has been rebacked in a red Morocco-style leather. A heavily waffled text-block, but with signs of neither odor nor moisture. Previous owner's inscription, neatly rendered, at first free endpaper. Internally, early, period, previous owners name on first blank, faint remains of a paper bookseller's label inside front board at bottom near fore-edge, "Sollers Bookseller Blanford." Pages in good clean condition no matter the waffling, and beautiful decorated, marbled endpapers front and rear.Member, I.O.B.A., C.B.A., and adherent to the highest ethical standards. . . . Good