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N the annals of bibliophilic fame Grolier is first and De Thou is second. The classic author of the “J. A. Thuani Historiarum sui temporis,” “that grand and faithful history,” says Bossuet, was destined to greater fame as a collector of books than as an enlightened jurist and historian.

His predilection for fine books in superb covers was probably incited by his early admiration for the four books which Grolier presented to his father—Christophe De Thou—perhaps in recognition of valuable service as president of the commission in the suit for peculation, which resulted in Grolier’s acquittal and vindication. Of these four books was the famous “Translation of Hippocrates,” by Calvus (Rome, 1525), one of the finest Grolier bindings known, bequeathed