![MORE, Thomas (1477/8-1535). De optimo reip. statu deque nova insula Utopia. Basel: Johann Froben: November, 1518. [Bound with:] Desiderius ERASMUS (1466?-1536). Epigrammata. Basel: Johann Froben, March 1520.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2014/CKS/2014_CKS_01584_0316_000(more_thomas_de_optimo_reip_statu_deque_nova_insula_utopia_basel_johann050922).jpg?w=1)
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MORE, Thomas (1477/8-1535). De optimo reip. statu deque nova insula Utopia. Basel: Johann Froben: November, 1518. [Bound with:] Desiderius ERASMUS (1466?-1536). Epigrammata. Basel: Johann Froben, March 1520.
2 works in one volume, 4° (205 x 148 mm). Roman, Greek and 'utopian' types. Woodcut historiated border to title of each part, large historiated headpiece and initial, large printer device at end of both works. (First work lacking the second and third parts, collating a-s4, t-u6, tiny repairs to corners of some leaves, some soiling and few occasional stains.) Modern brown morocco, gilt spine, turn-ins and edges. Provenance: some early annotations -- faint cancelled ownership inscription on bottom margin of first title -- S.A. Thompson Yates (bookplate) -- W.M.Wymick? (tipped in letter addressed to Rev. Thompson Yates).
Fourth edition of Utopia, the second printed by Froben, and second edition of More's Epigrammata. The tale begins with More's encounter with Raphael Hythlodaye, a traveller who has just returned from voyages with Amerigo Vespucci. Hythlodaye tells More of a distant island called Utopia, where all property is held in common ownership, where six hours a day are devoted to work and the rest to recreation, where gold and silver are used not as currency but as the material for making shackles and chamber pots, and slaves (criminals and prisoners of war) are treated fairly. In its geography and topography, the island bears a striking resemblance to England. On the surface Utopia tells of the ideal commonwealth, but it is constantly undercut. By seeing life in England and Europe through the eyes of the innocent stranger Hythlodaye (whose name means one who is cunning in nonsense), More is able to effect a deep satire on contemporary life and government. Utopia was first published at Louvain, overseen by Pieter Gillies, its dedicatee; it was reprinted at Paris in 1517. Erasmus was then responsible for arranging publication of two editions in 1518 (March and December) by 'his' printer at Basel, Johann Froben, for which More revised his text. Adams M-1757; Fairfax Murray German, 304 (4th edition); Gibson More 4 and 57; PMM 47 (1516 edition).
2 works in one volume, 4° (205 x 148 mm). Roman, Greek and 'utopian' types. Woodcut historiated border to title of each part, large historiated headpiece and initial, large printer device at end of both works. (First work lacking the second and third parts, collating a-s4, t-u6, tiny repairs to corners of some leaves, some soiling and few occasional stains.) Modern brown morocco, gilt spine, turn-ins and edges. Provenance: some early annotations -- faint cancelled ownership inscription on bottom margin of first title -- S.A. Thompson Yates (bookplate) -- W.M.Wymick? (tipped in letter addressed to Rev. Thompson Yates).
Fourth edition of Utopia, the second printed by Froben, and second edition of More's Epigrammata. The tale begins with More's encounter with Raphael Hythlodaye, a traveller who has just returned from voyages with Amerigo Vespucci. Hythlodaye tells More of a distant island called Utopia, where all property is held in common ownership, where six hours a day are devoted to work and the rest to recreation, where gold and silver are used not as currency but as the material for making shackles and chamber pots, and slaves (criminals and prisoners of war) are treated fairly. In its geography and topography, the island bears a striking resemblance to England. On the surface Utopia tells of the ideal commonwealth, but it is constantly undercut. By seeing life in England and Europe through the eyes of the innocent stranger Hythlodaye (whose name means one who is cunning in nonsense), More is able to effect a deep satire on contemporary life and government. Utopia was first published at Louvain, overseen by Pieter Gillies, its dedicatee; it was reprinted at Paris in 1517. Erasmus was then responsible for arranging publication of two editions in 1518 (March and December) by 'his' printer at Basel, Johann Froben, for which More revised his text. Adams M-1757; Fairfax Murray German, 304 (4th edition); Gibson More 4 and 57; PMM 47 (1516 edition).
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