The Historie of Twelve Caesars, Emperors of Rome
London: William Jaggard, 1606.
The Historie of Twelve Caesars, Emperors of Rome
London: William Jaggard, 1606. First edition. [Bound with] The Historie of Justine. London: Matthew Lownes, 1606. First thus. Contemporary calf with gilt to boards, rebacked to style with gilt and morocco to spine. Measures 280 x 185mm. Collating [8], 272, 39, [24] pages; [8], 138, [39]; occasional mispaginations to first volume and second volume bound without final blank, else both complete. Previous owner's bookplate and stamp to verso of title. Early repairs to first two leaves of first volume; occasional tanning or marginal stains not affecting text. Some chips and marginal loss to both volumes not affecting text; 2 inch closed tear to Ff5 of second volume. Overall, a pleasing copy of two early English volumes on Roman imperial history.
Published during a period of England's imperial expansion, The Historie of the Twelve Caesars and The Historie of Justine both spoke to the Stuart court's fascination with succession, conquest, and divine right. Not only were England and Scotland nearing their formal union under King James, but the first charters for colonies including Virginia were being adopted. Likely seeking favor from the crown, translators and publishers turned to classical antiquity for stories of powerful rulers and lasting empires. The present works emphasize the biographies and important roles played by Rome's rulers during the nation's height.
ESTC S113501 and S117759. (Item #4529)
