John Pine, 1733-37

HORATIUS, Quintus Flaccus (85-8 BCE). Opera. London: John Pine, 1733 and 1737.

First edition, first issue of a "lovely book studded with brilliant vignettes, or engravings from the antique" (Dibdin). John Pine was an artist and engraver who apprenticed under Bernard Picart. This work, a masterpiece of 18th-century book design, was funded by subscribers, including Alexander Pope, William Hogarth, and Georg Handel. Cohen-de Ricci 497-498; Dibdin, The Library Companion, p. 643.

Two volumes, octavo (228 x 142mm). Entirely engraved, with frontispieces, vignettes, and initials throughout (occasional very light spotting, some toning around the edges in vol 2). Modern red morocco gilt to style, edges gilt, green silk doublures, buntpapier flyleaves; calf and marbled paper pull-off case.