MORE, Thomas (1478-1535). - photo 1
MORE, Thomas (1478-1535). - photo 2

MORE, Thomas (1478-1535).

Starting price
£ 4 000
Auction dateClassic
13.07.2022 10:30UTC +01:00
Auctioneer
CHRISTIE'S
Event location
United Kingdom, London
Archive
The auction is completed. No bids can be placed anymore.
Archive
ID 794564
Lot 111 | MORE, Thomas (1478-1535).
MORE, Thomas (1478-1535).

Epigrammata. Basel: J. Froben, 1520.

The Chatsworth copy of the first separate edition of Thomas More’s Epigrams, with fine woodcut decoration by Hans Holbein the younger. More translated epigrams from the ‘Greek Anthology’ into Latin which, after circulating in manuscript, were collected by Erasmus and twice printed by Froben in 1518 with the third edition of More’s Utopia. This edition was substantially revised by More for its first independent appearance. Three of the epigrams which appeared in 1518 are omitted and 13 new ones added. More’s Epigrammata is divided in two parts; the Progymnasmata, with translations of epigrams from the Greek Anthology and the Epigrammata with More’s own compositions. In them More reworks material from classical sources, biblical texts, adapts traditional jests, Aesopic fables, and English love lyrics. His topics are extremely diverse: astrologers, prostitutes, courtiers, reflections upon kingship, the brevity of life and death etc.. The epigram on Wolsey is remarkable as a dedicatory epigram, begging the Cardinal’s acceptance of Erasmus’ New Testament of 1516. BMSTC German p. 860; Adams M-1753; Gibson 57; Lowndes II 1606.



Quarto (204 x 145mm). Fine woodcut title border by Hans Holbein the younger, historiated woodcut initials (one eight-line) Froben’s large woodcut device on final verso (some light waterstaining, large light oil splash on 2 leaves, last leaf browned and lightly dust soiled). English speckled calf c. 1800, sides bordered with double gilt rule, spine gilt, gilt turn-ins (rebacked preserving original spine, extremities a little worn). Provenance: Edmund Pulleyn (contemporary autograph on last verso) — ‘codicis estis possesor nomine dritos.’ (inscription on last verso) — William Cavendish, 7th Duke of Devonshire (1808-1891; Chatsworth bookplate).





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13.07.2022 – 13.07.2022
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