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24mo, 12.5cm, in 10 volumes in eight, xviii,[1],768 & 614 & 550 & 560 & 486,386 & 301 ,318,[9],(index) & [x],685 & [16],506pp., engraved title page and 1 eng portrait, vignette device on the title pages, in contemporary full calf, gilt ruled real raised bands, flora and borders decorations in the panels, double crushed crimson and green morocco labels, some wear at the edges else a fine attractive set (ds1.case) - Wing 535. "Elzevir (or Elsevier): a famous Dutch family of booksellers, printers and publishers, active from about 1585 to 1712. . Printing at Leyden was begun in 1618 by Isaac (1596-1651), grandson of Louis, but it was Bonaventurea (1583-1652)and his nephew Abraham (1592-1652) who expanded the family business, initiating in 1629 their famed pocket editions of Latin classics and French literature, a series which continued until 1665. The aim was to ensure a wide circulation of accurate texts for every day use. The books were given engraved title-pages, narrow margins and solid setting. An influencing factor in the original decision to published in such small format may have been the cessation of paper imports from France, due to war, at a time when there were few Dutch paper mills. The distinctive type face used in these books, cut by Christoffel van Dijck, has a great influence, and deprivations of both face and format were revived in France during the 19th century." Glaister. Seller Inventory # 24659
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