Lot 15
Serlio, Sebastiano. The first [-fift] Booke of Architecture, made by Sebastian Serly, entreating of Geometrie, 5 parts in one volume, first edition in English, from the Dutch translation of Peter Cocke, titled signed 'George Vertue', wood-engraved borders to parts titles, wood-engraved illustrations throughout, several full-page, with blank leaf 2N2, a few leaves with minor staining to margins, wood-engraving on Book 3, p.44 recto very slightly shaved, rust-mark on Book 4, p.31, not affecting text, very light spotting to final leaves, early twentieth century mottled calf gilt, some surface loss to upper cover, the arms of Elwin Millard gilt, folio, London: Robert Peake, 1611 A FINE ASSOCIATION COPY. This would appear to be from the library of the celebrated engraver and antiquary, George Vertue (1684-1756) and carries his signature discretely on the title of Book 1. As official engraver for Society of Antiquaries of London, Vertue's illustrative contribution to Vetusta Monumenta, a series of occasional papers documenting ancient buildings, sites and artefacts, was substantial. His library was sold over two days, March 18-19th, 1757.
