(1543). CESAR (Jules). COMMENTARII... BELLO GALLICO, CIVILI, - Lot 203

(1543). CESAR (Jules). COMMENTARII... BELLO GALLICO, CIVILI, AFRICANO, HISPANENSI... Lyon, Etienne Dolet, 1543. In-8, [64]-524-[68] pages, marbled basane, ribbed spine (17th century binding). This edition of Caesar's commentaries is illustrated with 2 double maps (Spain and France) and 5 full-page woodcuts, and includes Aldus' letter to the reader, dated 1513. In 1538, printer Etienne Dolet obtained an unusual privilege for the time, allowing him to print his own works, as well as texts by ancient authors, on condition "that he first show them to the Prévosts of Paris and the Séneschal of Lyon...". Dolet never complied - except after a royal warning in 1543 - with the obligation to submit his texts in advance. This was the beginning of the excesses that led to his being burned at the stake on August 3, 1546. Restoration at bottom of title with no loss of text, dampstaining mainly on last 30 leaves (USTC 140809, 7 copies).