PBA Galleries

[32], 272, 39, [1] pp. [fleuron]4, [superscript pi], A-B6, B-Z6, 2A4, 2A-B6, C8. With woodcut portraits of the 12 Caesars; woodcut head & tailpieces & initials, device on title-page. (folio) 11x6¾, period calf stamped in gilt on both covers, rebacked with modern morocco gilt, later endpapers. First Edition in English

William Morris's copy of the first translation into English of Suetonius' De vita Caesarum, written around 120 AD, being biographies of Julius Caesar and the first 11 emperors of the Roman Empire. Along with the writings of Tacitus, the work is one of the prime sources of the critical period of the Principate from the end of the Republic to the reign of Domitian. In this setting of the title page, line 10 begins "Together". Another setting begins "Togeather". This was the copy of William Morris' founder of the Kelmscott Press, with his bookplate on front pastedown; small ownership signature of E.R. Pferfferkorn also on front pastedown. Occasional ink marginalia. STC 2343.