[Baskerville] C. Crispus SALLUSTIUS & Annaeus FLORUS Birminghamiae (Birmingham), Joannis Baskerville, 1773 - First Baskerville edition of this collection of texts by two of the greatest Roman poets and historians. A magnificent copy in a probably slightly later binding in full red morocco with triple framing of gilded fillets on the boards and 5-rib spine with very richly and finely ornamented boxes, gilded fillets on the edges and gilded roulettes at the head and tail, the counter-pieces are also worked with a gilded lace border and gilded edges, marbled paper endpapers. Slight foxing, overall excellent condition, very slight scuffing, a choice copy for one of the rare specimens from the Baskerville editions, which were aimed at a luxury clientele. One of John Baskerville's great successes was the invention of a special press for finer, sharper typefaces, the typographic result of which is considered one of the great achievements in this field in the 18th century. These typefaces were forgotten for a time in Europe, but were taken to the United States, which explains their inclusion in the Declaration of Independence. In-4, 317pp.