[19 (of 20)], 345, [11 (of 13)] leaves. (sm. 8vo) 13.8x9.4 cm (5½x3¾"), early blindstamped calf, gilt edges. First Edition in English.

The very rare first edition in English of Erasmus' Apophthegmata, a collection of apophthegms by famous men of antiquity from Socrates through Caesar and beyond -- compiled by a man who was himself considered one of the wittiest men of the Renaissance. It contains many memorable phrases still in common usage. This copy lacking the title leaf, which has been supplied in old facsimile, and also the final two leaves, at least one of which was an index leaf, the other possibly a blank - the missing index portion is supplied in pencil manuscript. OCLC/WorldCat lists only three copies of this first edition in English, two at the British Library, one not located.