With Pieces from Ancient Authors; and Occasional Essays; Illustrated by Observations on their Lives and Writings, Explanatory Notes from established Commentators, and additional Remarks by the Editor; With the Classic, an introductory poem. Full leather binding. 12mo, xxxii, 287pp.+contemporary errata page. Full leather with raised bands to spine. Gilt titles to red spine label. Gilt dentelles. Two armourial bookplates: firstly that of Robert Shafto (d.1780) of Benwell in Northumberland and secondly that of his son-in-law William Adair. Robert Shafto was a distant cousin of the Robert Shafto MP (1732-1797) of whom the folk song ‘ Bobby Shafto’ is believed to refer. However some sources , Thomas & George Allan in Tyneside Songs and Readings (1891), believe Robert Shafto (1760–1781) of Benwell was the inspiration - he was the son of the owner of this book. Either way, the Shafto family with their strong Northumberland and Co. Durham connections, make this volume of particular interest to those with interest in NE England. Most of the prelim is taken up with The Classic poem. The text is in English. Front hinge split and held only by one cord, rear hinge tender. Though the binding is rather fragile the gatherings remain tightly bound and square. Pages show some age toning to the very edges, more so towards the beginning and end of the text block. Starting to crack vertically down the middle of the spine. Prelims are unevenly tanned. Rubbed to edges with the tips of the board showing to two corners. Some slight scuffing to the surface of the leather.