Very rare first Angelier edition of the first translation into French of Suetoniuss main work. This collective biography of the Roman Empire's first leaders includes descriptions of the life of Julius Caesar, Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, Nero, Galba, Otho, Vitellius, Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian, peppered with salient, erotic, and shocking details. The present edition, which is the second overall, follows the first edition of the translation (1520), including the same preface dedicated to Charles de Bourbon, duc de Vendôme, governor of Picardy. A second Angelier edition followed in 1542.
The present copy was bound by Chambolle-Duru, one of the most significant Parisian bookbinding firms of the late 19th century. Established in 1861 by René-Victor Chambolle (1834-1898) and Hippolyte Duru (fl. 1843-1863), the firm produced traditional bindings of the highest quality. They received commissions by several great collectors, including the duc dAumale who considered Duru to be one of the three greatest living binders. Although Duru retired in 1863, Chambolle continued to sign bindings with both names.
With the gold-stamped signature of René-Victor Chambolle (1834-1898) and Hippolyte Duru (fl. 1843-1863) on the front turn-in. The binding is in excellent condition. The leaves are somewhat browned, the title page is slightly stained, occasional marginal staining. Otherwise in very good condition. Dekesel, S-117; Pettegree and Walsby, French vernacular books, 48585; USTC 37780 (6 copies); cf. Mortimer (Harvard French), no. 505 (1541 ed.); B. Baldwin, Suetonius, biographer of the Caesars (1983); not in Adams.