Comoediae.: Accedunt perditarum fabularum fragmenta ex recensione G. Dindorfii [together with] Adnotationes [and] Scholia Graeca ex codicibus aucta et Emendata.

Oxford: e Typographeo Academico,, 1835-38. Handsome prize binding for St Paul's School, London A handsomely bound copy of Dindorf's Oxford edition of Aristophanes, one of the most influential published in the 19th century, in a prize binding for St Paul's School, London. Wilhelm Dindorf (1802-1883) was a German classical scholar, and "of all the Editors of Aristophanes, [he] appears to be one of the most industrious and enthusiastic" (Dibdin, p. 303). After contributing to Invernizzi's 1794 edition of Aristophanes, he published his own text of the Pax in 1820, when he was only 18. His first complete edition of the comedies appeared in 1825, and was followed by numerous other publications. The present edition is considered Dindorf's most important, notably incorporating information from previously unpublished manuscripts: his book of scholia in particular "marks an advance in our knowledge of the commentary on Aristophanes. In editing the scholia Dindorf had at his command collations in whole or in part of six manuscripts... The Ambrosianus [L39] was brought into service for the first time" (White, p. 265). This copy was awarded to H. Lacy Taverner, winner of the Thurston Prize in 1859, with his bookplate: very likely this was Henry, son of the attorney Edward Taverner, who enrolled at St Paul's school in 1850 at the age of eight (Gardiner, p. 321). Founded in memory of the late student F. W. Thurston, who died at school in 1849, this prize was awarded annually for the best example of Latin poetry. Three works in seven volumes, octavo (216 x 132 mm). Green straight-grain morocco, spines with raised bands, elaborate floral decoration in compartments, red and brown morocco labels, covers bordered with a double gilt fillet and a single dotted frame, bust of John Colet gilt to front cover, arms of the School with motto and "J. Colet S.T.P. A.D. MDIX." to rear covers, blind decoration to board edges and turn-ins, edges gilt, marbled endpapers, brown silk bookmarkers. Ownership inscription of one Harvey E. Taverner to binder's blank in vol. I (a relative of the recipient; see note). A bright set, extremities lightly rubbed, couple of marks to covers, light waterstain to front cover of vol. II, pt. I, occasional spot of foxing to contents, but generally clean. A very good set in a handsome binding, gilt bright. Brunet I, p. 207; J. W. White, "The Manuscripts of Aristophanes II", Classical Philology, Vol. 1, no. 3, 1906; T. F. Dibdin, An Introduction to the Knowledge of Rare and Valuable Editions of the Greek and Latin Classics, Vol. I, 1827; R. B. Gardiner, Admission registers of St. Paul's School, from 1748 to 1876, 1884.