CATO, Dionysius (c.3rd-4th centuries C.E.). Disticha de moribus, in English and Latin. Translated from the French by William Caxton. [Westminster: William Caxton, after 23 December 1483.]

First edition of Caxton's own translation of Cato's Distichs. Caxton had printed three previous editions of an English verse translation by Benedict Burgh of the Distichs, but for the present edition, known as Cato IV, Caxton translated the work himself from a Latin original with a French prose version and commentary. He dedicated it to the City of London, because, as he states in a frank preface, its sons are ill-raised, and it is "the beste boke for to be taught to yonge children in schole." In promoting the benefit of his book, Caxton cites the great Renaissance humanist Poggio who owned a "noble and well-stuffed library." When asked which of his books he valued most, Poggio replied that he considered "Cato glosed for the best book of his library." Richard Bennett sold his collection in 1901 to John Pierpont Morgan, however this copy of Cato was not listed in the catalogue. Rare: only 2 copies recorded at auction in over a century. Goff C-313; HC 4754; GW 6361; Duff 79; DeR(C) 16:28 (the Baker-Whatley-Ashburnham-Bennett copy); Cx 68; STC 4853; Bod-inc C-137; BMC XI 150; ISTC ic00313000.

Chancery folio (282 x 180mm). 59 leaves, plus 18 in facsimile, for a total of 77 (of 78; without a1, a blank). Partly foliated in a contemporary hand (one tiny hole in penultimate leaf, washed and pressed, occasional small stain). Brown crushed morocco by Riviere and son, spine lettered in gilt, gilt edges; brown morocco pull-off case. Provenance: Henry Baker (contemporary signature on most lower margins) – “Richard” (contemporary inscription on giii) – Sir Joseph Whatley, KCH (1765-?1844; armorial bookplate and manuscript notes) – Bertram, 4th Earl of Ashburnham (1797-1878; his sale, Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, 30 June 1897, lot 976; sold by Pickering to:) – Richard Bennett (1844-1900; pencil note) – [Phyllis Goodhart Gordan; by descent].