Books

London: Printed by T. C. [Thomas Creede] for W. P. [William Ponsonby], 1595. Rare first edition in English of this classic work. Quarto, bound in full calf, decorated with woodcut engraved ornamental title page and engraved head and tailpieces. In near fine condition with some light browning and wear, title trimmed and laid down. Translated by Thomas Bedingfeld. First editions are scarce, especially in this condition. Florentine Histories is a historical account by Italian Renaissance political philosopher and writer Niccolò Machiavelli. After the crisis of 1513, with arrests for conspiracy, torture and after being sentenced to house arrest, Machiavelli's relationship with the Medici family passively began to mend itself. If the dedication of Il Principe (1513) to Lorenzo II de' Medici had not any effect, part of the then dominant faction of the Florence was not against him, and instead granted him an appointment. In his letter he deplores of his idle state, offering his…