Second instalment of the first children's books series ever printed. The work contains a description of ancient Roman vessels, and was specifically printed for the entertainment and edification of children. This second edition by Estienne is very rare. It was not known to some of the early bibliographers and has not been on the market since 1947.
The work is part of a series on Roman antiquities written by Lazare de Baïf (1496-1547) around 1530. The present work is the second title in the three-part series. It discusses ancient Roman vessels, containers, dishes, vases and receptacles, complete with an index in alphabetical order at the end. De Baïf's work was edited and abridged by Charles Estienne (1505-1564), scholar, physician and younger brother of printer Robert Estienne (1503-1559). His work met great success and many editions of the different parts of the series were printed in the 1530s and 40s.
De Baïf was a humanist, poet and wealthy diplomat. He was the French ambassador in Venice and Germany. He hired Charles Estienne as a Latin tutor for his son, Jean-Antoine de Baïf (1532-1589), who later became a poet. Estienne initially abridged De Baïf's works to provide simplified Latin readings for his student, but soon published it for the enjoyment of other children as well. He was an elegant writer of Latin verse, and is commended by poet Joachim du Bellay as having introduced a few valuable words into the French language.
With a small water-stain in the outer corner of the leaves throughout, not affecting the text. Otherwise in very good condition. Adams B58; Pettegree & Walsby 55639/2535; USTC 88431 (2 copies); WorldCat 1167140378, 165546844, 493360701, 643845533, 912652768, 1190942118 (17 copies); cf. Schreiber, F., The Estiennes, 51 (other ed.); this edition not in BM, Catalogue of French books; Renouard.