![SALLUSTIUS CRISPUS, Caius (86-34 B.C.) & Lucius ANNAEUS FLORUS. [Works], Birmingham: Typis Joannis Baskerville, 1773. 4° (285 x 225mm). Half title (lacking the subtitle leaf between title and A1, as often, title stained at corners, some light spotting and browning towards the beginning and end). Finely-bound in contemporary scarlet morocco, covers with gilt roll-tool border, spine gilt in compartments with repeated urn ornament surrounded by swags and flowers, gilt edges (extremities rubbed). Provenance: "Walpole" (contemporary signature on title). Gaskell 51.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2005/CSK/2005_CSK_05618_0050_000(093457).jpg?w=1)
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SALLUSTIUS CRISPUS, Caius (86-34 B.C.) & Lucius ANNAEUS FLORUS. [Works], Birmingham: Typis Joannis Baskerville, 1773. 4° (285 x 225mm). Half title (lacking the subtitle leaf between title and A1, as often, title stained at corners, some light spotting and browning towards the beginning and end). Finely-bound in contemporary scarlet morocco, covers with gilt roll-tool border, spine gilt in compartments with repeated urn ornament surrounded by swags and flowers, gilt edges (extremities rubbed). Provenance: "Walpole" (contemporary signature on title). Gaskell 51.
The signature bears a remarkable resemblance to that of Horace Walpole (1717-97). However, although Hazen lists nine copies of Baskerville imprints in Walpole's library, he does not list a Sallust; also this copy does not bear the characteristic Walpolian shelf marks or bookplates. Furthermore, Hazen indicates that Walpole rarely signed his books. However, if this copy is indeed signed by Horace Walpole, then this copy would forge a satisfying association between two of the century's most important private printers.
See Plate II for illustration of the title page and signature.
The signature bears a remarkable resemblance to that of Horace Walpole (1717-97). However, although Hazen lists nine copies of Baskerville imprints in Walpole's library, he does not list a Sallust; also this copy does not bear the characteristic Walpolian shelf marks or bookplates. Furthermore, Hazen indicates that Walpole rarely signed his books. However, if this copy is indeed signed by Horace Walpole, then this copy would forge a satisfying association between two of the century's most important private printers.
See Plate II for illustration of the title page and signature.
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It has been suggested that the signature on the title is that of Horace Walpole's cousin, Lord Walpole of Wolterton - the eldest son of Robert Walpole's younger brother Horatio.