1773 ❧ LONGUS. Λόγγου Σοφιστ...

1773 ❧ LONGUS. Λόγγου Σοφιστοῦ Ποιμενικῶν τῶν κατὰ Δάφνιν καὶ Χλόην Λόγοι Τέτταρες - Pastoralium de Daphnide et Chloe libri quattuor. Graece & Latine. Paris: [Didot for] William de Bure, 1773 2 volumes, 4to (251 x 192 mm). Greek and Roman types, ruled in red, wood cut head and tail pieces. Some spotting. Contemporary full red morocco, covers with triple-gilt fillet borders, spine in six compartments with raised bands, contrasting lettering pieces, all edges gilt. rubbed. Provenance: Sir Edward Sullivan (sale, Sotheby's, 2 June 1890, lot 3393); William O'Brien (bequest booklabel dated 1899); Property of the Milltown Park Charitable Trust (stamp on title and sale Sotheby's London 7 June 2017). LARGE PAPER COPY. Longus's ancient Hellenistic romance Daphnis and Chloe, composed in the second or third century CE, is an archetype of the pastoral prose novel. Celebrated for its elegant narrative simplicity and psychological depth, the work details the pastoral upbringing, romantic awakening, and ultimate reunion of two abandoned foundlings on the idyllic island of Lesbos. The romance enjoyed a resurgence among European intelligentsia during the eighteenth century, culminating in luxurious typographic feats like the present edition issued by the celebrated Parisian bookseller-publisher Guillaume (William) de Bure. A pencilled not on the flyleaf ventures the binding is by Derome. Brunet V, 1291; Graesse VII, 341; Schweiger II, 1174. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing