MARCUS AURELIUS ANTONINUS (121-180). Marcus Aurelius Antoninus the Roman Emperor, his Meditations concerning Himselfe: treating of a Naturall Mans Happinesse; wherein it consisteth, and of the Meanes to Attaine unto it. Translated and with notes by Meric CASAUBON (1599-1671). London printed by M. Flesher, for Richard Mynne, 1634.

"Death hangs over thee: whilest yet thou livest, whilest thou maiest, be good" (Booke 4, XIV).

The first edition in English of the Meditations, introducing Stoicism to Anglophone culture. Casaubon's translation was hugely influential and remained in print into the 20th century. ESTC S100316.

Quarto (193 x 138mm). With first blank. Folding engraved plate of Roman vases illustrating Casaubon's notes. (Long closed tear 2H1, burn-hole to 2O2 with loss letter, very pale stain to top edge of about 20 leaves in middle.) Contemporary speckled calf ruled in blind (old rebacking, spine rubbed, some restoration to edges and abrasions). Provenance: "AS" (initials to title-page) – some modern pencil underlining and emphasis marks.