Titus Lucretius Carus. De Rarum Natura Libri Sex. A Dionysio Lambino Monstroliensi Litterarum Graecarum in Urbe Lutetia Doctore Regio... Paris et Lugduni: G. Rouillij and P. G. Rouillij, 1564. First edition, second state of the first of the renowned scholarly editions edited, and with notes by, one of the greatest classical scholars of the sixteenth century, Denys Lambin. Although this edition is a second state of the first edition, Gordon notes that despite the different dates on the title pages, the states are "alike in all other respects." Approximately 9.25 x 5.5 inches. Quarto. [xxiv], 559, [1, blank] pages. With engraved title page. Full sixteenth-century mottled, paneled calf, with the arms of James Stuart, the First Earl of Bute stamped in blind in the center of both covers (also with his bookplate on the front pastedown), spine ruled and lettered in gilt, five raised bands. Some wear and chipping to spine, panels and corners rubbed. A fine copy.

"It has learned commentaries which evince the wonderful erudition of Lambinus... [the commentary] is not only one of the very best upon Lucretius, but there are few commentaries on any classical author that excel it" (Thomas Dibdin). Laid into this copy is an Autograph Letter Signed by noted British surgeon and bibliophile Geoffrey Keynes who describes this book as "one of the better editions of Lucretius (Lambinus) -- an atheistical book, I'm afraid..." Gordon 102. STC of French Books, p. 291. Graesse IV-287.