EUSEBE DE CESAREE.

[In Greek]: Ecclesiasticae historiae. Paris, Robert Estienne, 1544. In-folio, fawn calf, medallion of gilt foliage in the centre, spine decorated, gilt edges (Binding of the period). Renouard, Estienne, pp. 59-60. - Mortimer, n°219. PRINCEPS EDITION OF THE GREAT ECCLESIASTIC HISTORY OF EUSEB OF CESAREE (c. 260-339), an invaluable source for the history of the first three centuries of Christianity up to the great persecution and the rise to power of Constantine. Remarkable typographical impression employing the king's new Greeks, very elegant characters cut by Claude Garamont. The title of the first part is decorated with the thyrse mark surrounded by olive branches and a snake; the so-called olive mark is found on the last leaf of the volume. Leaf P5 (blank) preserved. Copy with very restored headpieces and hinges, the second board (in later granite calf, detached) coming from another volume. Title a little soiled, marginal wetness on some leaves.