Dio Cassius. Rerum Romanarum à Pompeio Magno ad Alexadrum Mamææ, Epitome authore Ioanne Xiphilino, translated by Guillaume Blanc, first edition of this translation, engraved basilisk printer's device to title, engraved large decorative initials and head-pieces, a few ff. with small stain to foot of gutter, the odd f. lightly browned, occasional spotting, 19th century red morocco, gilt, rubbed, especially the joints, gauffered g.e., [Adams D513; Renouard, Estienne, 80:8; Schreiber 108; Mortimer, French, 170], 4to, Paris, Robert Estienne, 1551.

⁂ The John Sparrow copy of the last book printed by Robert Estienne in Paris, before his move to Geneva. John Sparrow (1906-1992), Barrister, book collector and Warden of All Soul's College, Oxford, who famously wrote an article for Encounter magazine after the obscenity trial over Lady Chatterley's Lover, arguing that the acquittal was wrong, as the work promoted the practice of sodomy.