BACON, Sir FRANCIS. The Wisdome of the Ancients, written in Latine... Done into English by Sir Arthur Gorges. London: John Bill 1619. 12mo, 137 x 77 mm. (5 3/8 x 3 in.), nineteenth-century dark brown crushed morocco, covers panelled in blind, spine gilt-lettered, g.e., upper cover detached, lower joint and extremities scuffed, edges of title-leaf a trifle frayed, small rust-hole to F11 catching 3 letters, washed and pressed. FIRST EDITION IN ENGLISH, "Chancelour" issue, roman and italic type, woodcut title ornament, three woodcut initials and one headpiece. Gibson 94; STC 1131.

細節

BACON, Sir FRANCIS. The Wisdome of the Ancients, written in Latine... Done into English by Sir Arthur Gorges. London: John Bill 1619. 12mo, 137 x 77 mm. (5 3/8 x 3 in.), nineteenth-century dark brown crushed morocco, covers panelled in blind, spine gilt-lettered, g.e., upper cover detached, lower joint and extremities scuffed, edges of title-leaf a trifle frayed, small rust-hole to F11 catching 3 letters, washed and pressed. FIRST EDITION IN ENGLISH, "Chancelour" issue, roman and italic type, woodcut title ornament, three woodcut initials and one headpiece. Gibson 94; STC 1131.

First published in 1609, the De Sapientia Veterum, in which Bacon paraphrases 31 classical myths, offering for each his own allegorical interpretation, was one of his most popular works and frequently reprinted. Arthur Gorges also translated Bacon's Essays into French.

Provenance: "M Babington," early signature on title -- Armorial bookplate (motto "Bonne et Belle Assez").