Details
BOCCACCIO, Giovanni (1313-1375). [The Decameron]. The Modell of Wit, Mirth, Eloquence, and Conversation. Framed in ten days, of an hundred curious pieces, by seven honourable ladies, and three noble gentlemen. London: Isaac Jaggard for Mathew Lownes, 1625-1620.
2 volumes in one, 2o in 6's and 4's (280 x 180 mm). Titles within differing woodcut borders, the border to volume I with a boar passant, the crest of the Sidney family, in top compartment, at the sides an Arcadian shephered and an Amazon, at the foot a boar approaching a bush with the motto "non tibi spiro" [McKerrow and Ferguson 212], the border to volume II composed of six woodcut medallions repeated as vignettes throughout both volumes. Woodcut initials and ornaments. (\\h\\h\\h2 missing at beginning of vol. II, a few tiny rust holes, without front blank in vol. I., lower blank margin of Mm6 trimmed.) Brownish morocco gilt by Birdsall (light rubbing to joints).
Second edition of volume I, first edition of volume II. This was THE FIRST COMPLETE TRANSLATION IN ENGLISH, though the translator's identity is uncertain; no complimentary edition of the second volume was published. Boccaccio's influence on early English drama would be difficult to overestimate. At least fifty-four English plays, including several works by Shakespeare, have plots derived from the Decameron. Three years after printing the first edition, Jaggard went on to print the First Folio of Shakespeare (1623). Grolier Wither to Prior 250 (first edition); Pforzheimer 72 and 71; STC 3173 and 3172.
2 volumes in one, 2
Second edition of volume I, first edition of volume II. This was THE FIRST COMPLETE TRANSLATION IN ENGLISH, though the translator's identity is uncertain; no complimentary edition of the second volume was published. Boccaccio's influence on early English drama would be difficult to overestimate. At least fifty-four English plays, including several works by Shakespeare, have plots derived from the Decameron. Three years after printing the first edition, Jaggard went on to print the First Folio of Shakespeare (1623). Grolier Wither to Prior 250 (first edition); Pforzheimer 72 and 71; STC 3173 and 3172.
Special notice
No sales tax is due on the purchase price of this lot if it is picked up or delivered in the State of New York.
Sale room notice
This lot will be sold without reserve.