PLATO (?427-347 B.C.). The Works … viz. His Fifty-Five Dialogues and Twelve Epistles. Translated from the Greek by Floyer Sydenham and Thomas Taylor. London: for Thomas Taylor, by R. Wilks and sold by E. Jeffrey and R. H. Evans, 1804.

PLATO (?427-347 B.C.). The Works … viz. His Fifty-Five Dialogues and Twelve Epistles. Translated from the Greek by Floyer Sydenham and Thomas Taylor. London: for Thomas Taylor, by R. Wilks and sold by E. Jeffrey and R. H. Evans, 1804.

First complete edition of Plato’s work in English. The translation was begun by Floyer Sydenham, who completed nine of the dialogues, and finished by Thomas Taylor after Sydenham’s death. Taylor’s edition, complete with his commentary, was immediately important and remains in print today. This edition is uncommon complete, especially uncut. Lowndes 1877.

5 volumes, quarto (310 x 243mm). Half-titles, engraved plate in vol. 1 (marginal stains in quires m-o of vol. 1, repaired tears on half-title and title of vol. 2, some other minor tears and stains, occasional spotting and browning). 19th-century half cloth, brown morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, partially unopened, uncut (extremities rubbed, soiling and minor wear to covers). Provenance: ‘H. Rowson / Ballington / Leek’ (inscription) – J. Kenneth Rowson (gift inscription) – some pencil annotations.