Publii Virgilii Maronis Bucolica, Georgica et Aeneis (FORE-EDGE PAINTING OF CHERUBS) Virgilii (Virgil)

Publii Virgilii Maronis Bucolica, Georgica et Aeneis *FIRST BASKERVILLE OCTAVO EDITION WITH LOVELY FORE-EDGE PAINTING OF CHERUBS* Complete, including original blank flyleaves. Condition: antiquarian VG PROVENANCE: From the Virgil Collection of Craig Kallendorf (1954 - 2023), who owned the largest private collection of antiquarian Virgil works (1,150 editions, not including Incunable books) in the world. Only a handful of prominent institutions like the British Library had larger collections. Eighth-nine of the books in his collection were the only known surviving copies, 71 only had one other known copy. He worked closely with Princeton University in helping to assemble, supplement and catalog its Junius Spencer Morgan Virgil collection. Craig Kallendorf was Professor of English and Classics at Texas A&M University. He was the author or editor of 27 books and more than 170 articles, book chapters, and reference work entries. ABOUT THE BOOK Published in 1766 in Birmingham, England by John Baskerville. First Baskerville octavo edition. Frontispiece, engraved title page and blanks printed on wove paper, made in a single-faced wove mold. The remainder and all cancellantia on an unwatermarked laid paper. Fine full straight-grained morocco contemporary binding: double gilt fillet paneling; spine with five raised gilt bordered spine bands with gilt lettering in compartment two and at spine foot; ruled in gilt; gilt fillet turn-ins; all edges gilt; marbled endpapers; a silk ribbon placeholder and a beautiful fore-edge painting of cherubs. An exceptionally fine binding that only the wealthiest of patrons could afford at the time. Collated, original, complete. Octavo, 7.5" x 5", 3 blanks [2] 388, 2 blanks. Copperplate engraved frontispiece and printer device on title page. ABOUT JOHN BASKERVILLE John Baskerville (1706-1775) was perhaps the most important English typographer of the 18th century, whose typeface remains in use today. Preceding the private press movement by over a century, Baskerville took considerable care in every aspect of the design and production of his books, with the aim of creating a beautiful and accessible text. Opting for utility and clarity, he employed a clear and bold typeface without unnecessary flourish and ornamentation, a design choice which acted as a major influence on the course of book history. Baskerville, a successful manufacturer of japanned ware, took up printing as a hobby and began experimenting with his own press in 1752. For his first publication, his quarto Virgil, he cut his own type and used his own ink and presses - a remarkable thing for the time. The 20th century renewed interest in and appreciation for Baskerville's typefaces. His most notable typeface, Baskerville, is held to represent the peak of transitional type face and a bridge between Old Style and Modern type design. Since the 1920s, many fonts based on his work--mostly called 'Baskerville'-- have been released CONDITION REPORT: Marbled endpapers from the near-publication date rebind into fine morocco. Textually compete with all original blank flyleaves. Square spine, firm hinges and joints, tight pages. Sun-darkened spine. Some rubbing to spine tips, joints and edges. Bumped corners. Some darkened areas on boards and some spots. Gilt in great shape overall. Marbled endpapers in great condition, a bit faded. Purple silk ribbon placeholder detached but present. Moderate to heavy foxing throughout. First blank with former owner name in ink and the ex libris sticker of Kallendorf. Offsetting from frontispiece to adjacent pages. Pages are in excellent condition overall and clean. Interior is NEAR FINE less the extensive foxing. Minimal signs of handling. No worming. No marginalia. No water dampening.