Rapin of Gardens. A Latin Poem. In Four Books. Englifh'd by Mr. Gardiner by RAPIN, René (1621-1687) - 1728

London: Printed for Bernard Lintot, at the Cross-Keys between the Temple Gates, Fleetstreet, 1728. Three-Quarter Calf. Fine. Translated by James Gardiner. Crown 8vo (192 x 115mm): liii,[1],200,[10], with frontispiece portrait of Gardiner engraved by Vertue after a painting by Johann Verelst, folding copper-engraved parterre, and full-page engraved frontispiece, engraved by Elisha Kirkall, to each of the four books (Of Flowers, Of Trees, Of Water, The Orchard). Concluding with index and advertisement leaf. Rebound recently in three-quarter calf over marbled paper-covered boards, spine, in six compartments between raised bands, decorated in gilt, red leather lettering piece gilt, end papers renewed. An excellent example, tightly bound, fresh and bright throughout, with rich impressions of the plates. Foxon G14. Henrey II, p. 411, and III 1255. Hunt 414. Third Edition of the Gardiner translation (originally pubolished in 1706). First published by Rapin, in 1665, as Hortorum libri quattuor, in imitation of Virgil's Georgics but focused on the garden (which Virgil neglected), specifically the gardens of Maria de' Medici and of Henry IV of France. First translated into English (rather poorly: see Hunt) during the seventeenth century by John Evelyn, and according to Henrey, "quotations from it are to be found in many seventeenth and eighteenth century English books on gardening." N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition, with dust jackets carefully preserved in archival, removable mylar sleeves. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed. (Fine Editions Ltd is a member of the Independent Online Booksellers Association, and we subscribe to its codes of ethics.).