(London: Printed by J.L.for Abel Roper, and are to be sold at Sun..., 1655).

VERY SCARCE EARLY PRINTING IN ENGLISH OF THE WORKS OF JOSEPHUS.
"Josephus was a learned Jew who lived in the latter half of the first century of our era. At Rome he early made a favorable impression on the imperial government. Returning to Jerusalem, he endeavored to dissuade his countrymen from their intended revolt against Roman authority; but, failing in his efforts, he joined the war party. He was made a general, and was intrusted with the defence of Galilee; but, after a desperate resistance, was betrayed to the Roman commander. Long held as a prisoner, he was present at the seige of Jerusalem. At the close of the war he went to Rome, was presented with the freedom of the city, an annual pension, and a house that had formerly been the residence of an imperial family. The remainder of his life he gave up to literary pursuites" (Adams, Manual of Historical Literature, p. 81). His works cover the entire history of the nation to the fall of Jerusalem. Item #31489

A handsome very early printing by the first translator of Josephus into English. Folio, handsomely bound in contemporary antique polished calf, the spine panel later restored with raised bands fully decorated in gilt, one compartment with tan morocco label lettered in gilt, the compartments of the spine fully emblazoned and elaborately tooled in gilt. (5 ff.), 812, (32) pp. A very pleasing and handsome copy of this early folio edition, the binding still in good order, with less wear or evidence of use than would be expected, third folio leaf with a small portion of the original text sympathetically provided in manuscript.