FLORUS. Epitome of Roman History in four books. - Lot 200

FLORUS. Epitome of Roman History in four books. Bilingual edition in François de la Mothe le Vayer's translation of this imposing Roman history. Paris, Augustin Courbé, 1656. Fort in-8, brown calf, ribbed spine decorated in the grotesque style, gilt roulette around the edges, red edges. (8) ff, 1032 pp, (4) ff. Joints cracked, headbands loose, corners dull. Some foxing, some leaves yellowed. Roman history up to the time of Augustus, conceived as a panegyric of the Roman people. Translation by François de la Mothe le Vayer (1588-1672) supposedly based on that of Philippe d'Orléans, brother of Louis XIV, whose tutor he was from 1649. The amusing dedication is a long letter in which the translator scolds himself for having borrowed a few terms from those proposed by the king's brother. Good condition.