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PLATO (?427-347 B.C.E.). The Works of…, viz. His Fifty-Five Dialogues, and Twelve Epistles. Translated from the Greek by Floyer Sydenham and Thomas Taylor. London: for Thomas Taylor by R. Wilks and sold by E. Jeffery and R.H. Evans, 1804.
5 volumes, large 4to (311 x 244 mm). Half-titles, one engraved plate in vol. I. (Occasional light spotting, portion of the first title repaired not affecting text, with two small old tape stains). Provenance: R.L.U. (book label); evidence of removal of the previous ownership signature (Forbes?). ORIGINAL DRAB BOARDS, UNCUT AND PARTIALLY UNOPENED (rebacked with original printed spine labels preserved).
FIRST COMPLETE EDITION OF PLATO’S WORK IN ENGLISH. The work was begun by Floyer Sydenham, who translated nine of the dialogues, and finished by Thomas Taylor after Sydenham’s death. Taylor also added a commentary and notes on the existing manuscript and on Plato’s philosophy. Taylor’s edition was immediately important and remains in print today. This edition is uncommon complete in any condition, but especially so uncut in boards. Lowndes 1877.