MEDULLA POETARUM ROMANORUM

London: Printed for D. Midwinter et al., 1737. FIRST EDITION. 210 x 127 mm. (8 1/4 x 5"). Two volumes..
Early 19th century sprinkled calf, flat spines divided into panels by double gilt rules, gilt rampant lion stamp of Sir William Gordon Cumming in head panels, red and black morocco labels. Front pastedown of volume II with ink ownership inscription of "W. Cecil Simpson / Glasgow Oct. 1889." Case 413 (1)(b) and 413 (2)(b). ◆Light wear to front joints, small holes (from worming?) at head and tail of one joint and head of another, half a dozen small patches of lost patina from insect activity, extremities a little rubbed, but the bindings quite solid and still lustrous, and a fine copy internally, clean, crisp, and rather bright.

This selection of Latin poems accompanied by English verse translations is arranged by topics ranging from Absence to Justice and from Kisses to Zephyr. An index facilitates the location of verses on various subjects. Author Henry Baker (1698-1774) is better known for his popular scientific writings and for his pioneering efforts in the education of the deaf, but poetry was his first love. He published several well-received volumes of verse, and also contributed to "The Universal Spectator and Weekly Journal," a literary magazine he founded with his father-in-law, Daniel Defoe. Our well-preserved volumes were bound for Sir William Gordon-Cumming, 2nd Baronet of Altyre (1787-1854)..