NATURALIS HISTORIAE. Cum Commentariis & adnotationibus ... by Pliny the Elder - 1669

Leiden & Rotterdam: Hackios, 1669 (v. 1), 1668 (v. 2-3), 1669. 3 volumes, pp. (1) [xiv], 80 (Introduction), 56 (Liber 1: Contents), 838, [118] (Index); (2) 917, [87] (Index); (3) 853, [83] (Index); extra engraved title-pages (all d/d 1669) by G. Wingendorp of Leiden, publisher's device of eagle in flight on title-pages, full calf, speckled edges. Book plates with lion passant and motto 'Libertas'. Covers expertly rebacked with fresh spines, original worn covers. Some browning of edges first and last and minor stains, else very nice set of this excellent edition of Pliny's only surviving work with commentaries by leading scholars of the time. The thirty-seven books comprise (1) index of topics and authors consulted (2) the universe (3-6) geography (7) man (8-11) other animals (12-19) botany (20-27 ) botany in medicine (28-32) zoology in medicine (33-37) metals and stones, art and architecture. "Such a compilation was unique in its comprehensiveness" (Oxf.ClassicalDict), and "is more than a natural history: it is an encyclopaedia of all the knowledge of the ancient world ... the importance of the book depends more on his exhaustive reading (he quotes over four hundred authorities, Greek and Latin) than on his original work" (PMM).. Full Leather. Very Good. Octavo.