[BOLTON, Edmund (1575?-1633?)]. Nero Cæsar, or Monarchie Depraved. An Historicall Worke. Dedicated, with Leave, to the Duke of Buckingham, Lord Admirall. By the translator of Lucius Florus. London: Printed by T[homas]. S[nodham and Bernard Alsop]. for Thomas Walkley, at Britaines Bursse, 1624.
FIRST EDITION. Leather-bound; hardcover; folio (28 x 18.5 x 3 cm); pp. [18], 288. Signatures: pi1 ²pi1 A⁶ chi1 B-2O⁴. English text. Bound in contemporary full calf. Additional engraved title-page, dated 1623, and signed: Fr: Delaram sculptor. Printers' names from STC; "Alsop pr[inted]. B-M, Snodham the rest". Engraved numismatic medallions throughout; head-piece and decorative initials. The dedication signed: "Philonactophil". Condition: VERY GOOD. Collated complete. Binding tight and secure with light rubbing to the covers. Interior well-preserved and remaining largely clean, slight tear to front endpaper, old inscription to head of title. Scarce thus.
Notes: A scarce Thomas Walkley imprint on one of the world's most depraved rulers, presented in its original binding. Walkley is perhaps best remembered for his role in the publication of William Shakespeare's "Othello"; publishing the first quarto edition in 1622. Edmund Bolton's "Nero Caesar, or Monarchy Depraved" is an historical account that critically examines the reign of Emperor Nero, highlighting his depravity and the negative impact of absolute power. It focuses on Nero's tyrannical actions, including the persecution of Christians and alleged involvement in the Great Fire of Rome. Bolton's work reflects the broader Renaissance interest in classical history while serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of despotism. [ESTC S107099].
