£400
FIRST EDITION, 2 vols., 4to, pp. [iv], lxxxvii, [i], 440, [16]; [iv], 509, [33]. Engraved head- and tail-pieces in each chapter. Contemporary calf, edges sprinkled red. A touch toned, some water-staining to final leaves of vol. 2. Recently rebacked, spines divided by raised bands between gilt rules, red morocco labels, hinges relined with paper, old leather somewhat marked.
A friend of Swift and Pope, John Boyle, Fifth Earl of Orrery (1707-1762) was on poor terms with his father (who had featured in Swift's 'Battle of the Books' following his row with Bentley) and was left little in his will, but nonetheless inherited something of his classical scholarship, translating Horace as well as producing this substantial annotated translation of Pliny. It saw a second edition the same year.
