Carmina Ethica. Ex Diversis Auctoribus Collegit Ant. Aug. Renouard. Paris, Didot, 1795.
First Edition. 18mo (143 x 88 mm), pp. [iv], 163, some light browning, corner of front blank cut away, in contemporary straight-grained green goatskin, tips and corners a little rubbed, attractive gilt border with outer chain roll and inner flower roll, spine with raised bands, gilt in compartments with loop pattern, red morocco label lettered in gilt and lettered ‘Didot 1795’ directly on the spine, gilt dentelles, gilt edges, yellow endpapers, with the contemporary armorial bookplate of John Trotter Brocket.
A delightful copy in contemporary green goatskin of this uncommon compilation of classical verse edited by Antoine Augustin Renouard, the industrialist and political activist who became an influential bibliographer and bookseller.
Provenance: with the bookplate of John Trotter Brockett (1788-1842), the Newcastle lawyer and antiquary, also a noted numismatist and book collector. Part of his library was sold at Sotheby’s in 1823, with the 14 day sale raising £4260. An early pencil note on the front endpaper (much faded) reads "Fine & Large Paper" and in ink the initials "P.B."
Brunet I, 1585 (’gr. in-18: pap. vel’), stating that a dozen copies were printed in large paper 12mo, 4 copies on vellum and 4 copies on very large paper 8vo.