Aristophanes. Facetissimi Comoedie novem, edited by Jean Chéradame, 9 parts in 1, titles in Greek and Latin, text in Greek, titles within handsome woodcut historiated borders by Geoffrey Tory, woodcut historiated initials and printer's devices (the latter to 4 final ff.), 3 parts with early ink inter-linear notes, occasional spotting, particularly to final part, light marginal water-staining at head, contemporary blind-stamped pigskin over wooden boards, metal clasps, 19th century paper label to foot of spine, some soiling and staining, [Adams A1707; Mortimer, French, 38], small 4to, Paris, Pierre Vidoue for Gilles de Gourmont, 1528.

⁂ A very good copy of the handsomely printed first edition of Aristophanes to be printed in Paris. The editor Jean Chéradame was professor of Greek at the Collège du Roi. Each of the nine plays has a striking woodcut title by Geoffrey Tory, each incorporating the Adoration of the Magi, Gourmont's name and arms. There are separate dedicatees to each play, including Pierre Danes (first professor of Greek at the Collège Royal), Jean Ruel (botanist and physician and author of De Natura Stirpium, 1536), John Clerk (Bishop of Bath and Wells, chaplain of Cardinal Wolsey) and Thomas Winter (Wolsey's son).

Provenance: 'Joh Jacobi...Linden...' (17th century ink inscription at head of title); Joseph von Lassberg (18th century ink inscription to front free endpaper); The Donaueschingen copy (shelf mark to foot of spine and head of inner pastedown).