BEAUTIFUL 1629 EDITION OF THE PLAYS OF TERENCE TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH, IN FULL PERIOD-STYLE MOROCCO-GILT

TERENCE. Terence in English. Fabulae Comici Facetissimi et Elegantissimi Poetae Terentii Omnes Anglicae. London: John Legatt, 1629. Small quarto (5-1/2 by 7 inches), period-style full navy morocco, elaborately gilt-decorated spine and covers, all edges gilt. $1500.

Fifth edition of Richard Bernard’s English translation of the complete plays of Terence, who was a major influence on Shakespeare, in handsome period-style morocco-gilt.

"There is perhaps no more truthful, natural and delicate delineator of human nature, in its ordinary and more level moods, [than Terence] within the whole range of classical literature" (Britannica). "The comedies of the Roman playwright Terence were an important influence on Shakespeare, who read the plays in Latin in grammar school. This book provides the Latin text of the plays with an English translation. Richard Bernard, a clergyman and graduate of Christ’s College, Cambridge, produced this popular translation [the first translation of Terence's complete plays] in 1598, and it was reprinted six times during his lifetime" (University of Iowa). Printed in Latin and English on facing pages. STC 23893.

Closed tear to one leaf affecting text, minor staining to first two leaves, interior otherwise quite clean. A desirable copy, handsomely bound.