PLUTARCH (c. 46 CE). The Lives of the Noble Grecians and Romaines, Compared Together by that Great Learned Philosopher and Historiographer, Plutarke of Chaeronea. Translated by Sir Thomas North. London: Richard Field for George Bishop, 1603.
2 parts in one, small folio in sixes (311 x 203 mm). (Lacks preliminary and terminal blanks, lacks last leaf of Index, some light dampstaining to first several leaves near top margin). Title–pages with woodcut devices, woodcut medallion portraits with varying ornamental borders, woodcut head– and tailpieces and initials (title–page reinforced and remargined). Full early English tree calf, spine in 6 compartments with raised bands, red leather lettering–piece gilt (small chip to head, some minor splitting to front joint).
THIRD EDITION of North’s translation, which was first published in 1579 and the first edition to add The Lives of Epaminondas. “THIS TRANSLATION FORMS THE MAJOR SOURCE FOR THE PLOTS OF SHAKESPEARE’S CLASSICAL PLAYS” (Pforzheimer). This translation by North is “the most famous, and perhaps, the best Elizabethan translations” of Lives of the Noble Grecians and Romans. “That Shakespeare used it in patient obedience, borrowing words as well as plots, is its unique distinction. But if Shakespeare had never laid upon it that hand of Midas, which transmuted whatever it touched into pure gold, the version had yet been memorable” (The Cambridge History of English and American Literature). STC 20065; Pforzheimer 801 (first edition).