OLIVIER Jean Pandora Jani Oliverii Andium Hierophantae.
Lyon, Etienne Dolet, 1541 4to: Dolet's device on titlepage, repeated on the verso of the last, otherwise blank, leaf. Modern decorated paper boards, gilt-titled calf spine; stains on the last leaf and one page; book ticket of George Abrams. Rare first edition of this long poem on the myth of Prometheus' creation of woman and the ensuing dramas. This was one of the earliest versions of the myth to appear in literary form. Women, like the contents of Pandora's box are seen as the source of all the ills of the world. The work was very successful and was reprinted and translated. Olivier's invention and style were much admired. Dolet praises his qualities in his prefatory letter addressed to Francois Olivier, the author's nephew. Christie, Dolet, no 26; only a single copy (Harvard) reported to NUC.
£1850
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