Opera Omnia.

[Parma]: Ex regio Parmensi Typographio [Bodoni], 1785. 4to, pp. [iv], xxxv, [i], 110, [ii], 16, [ii], 248. Contemporary red straight-grained morocco, boards bordered with a triple gilt rule enclosing a frame with arch corners and sides interrupted by swirl and arch tools surrounding a sunburst, spine divided by double raised bands between gilt rules and enclosing black dyed stripes with gilt rolls, second compartment gilt-lettered direct, green endpapers, edges gilt. One leaf (p1, final sequence) with an old paper flaw repaired early on, one or two other torn corners. Extremities the merest touch rubbed, a few small marks. Modern bookplate to front pastedown, armorial bookplate of Sir Joseph Vardin, Bart. to verso of flyleaf, pencil note to facing binder’s blank attributing the binding to Bradel. An elegant binding on an elegant edition; the first paginated section contains the Greek text of Hesiod, the second a dedication to Ferdinand of Austria in a calligraphic italic type, and the third a Latin translation by Bernardo Zamagna. Dibdin calls it ‘splendid and correct’ and cites Renouard in identifying four issues on different paper: bluish, fine white, strong white, and large-paper. Brooks does not mention any paper variation, but this copy seems likeliest to be the strong white. The binding is unsigned and without ticket, and the attribution to Bradel (successor to Derome) seems unlikely, though it is a fine piece of work. The previous owner Sir Joseph Vardin, 1st Baronet (1838-1920) was a wealthy salt industrialist from Cheshire. Brooks 290.