Rare edition in English. The first edition in English of these collected writings by Cicero on the origin and duties of princely government.

The work was first published anonymously in Latin by the Scottish courtier, William Bellenden (c.1550-1633) as Ciceronis Princeps, appearing in Paris in 1608. A royalist by inclination, Bellenden 'assiduously excerpted from Cicero's works that author's views on kingly rule, concluding that the faults of princes should be overlooked as laws were not applicable to them, the makers of laws. Virtues, however, were to be encouraged in the person of the king' (ODNB).

Comparing the work favourably to the other, more infamous Prince, the translator Thomas Rhymer noted: 'It hath in it Maximes, which void of all stains and Flaws of Machiavillian Interest are raised only upon principles of Honor and Vertue, which best become a Prince' (Epistle Dedicatory). This edition is one of only three books published by Samuel Mearne (1624-1683), better known as the bookbinder to Charles II, prior to 1670.

First edition; foolscap 8vo (15.5 x 10.5 cm); old library shelf-mark notes in pen to front pastedown; contemporary sheep, covers ruled in blind, rebacked, spine lettered in gilt, corners rubbed, endpapers split at gutter-margins, very good; [8], 88pp.

ESTC R18500.