Figure 206

Page of Caesar (octavo): Elzevir, Amsterdam

From a copy in Harvard College Library, C. Iulii Caesaris quae extant (scan)

1661

The Elzevirs also printed editions of the classics in octavo—less typical in one sense, but better, because the type, being larger, was handsomer, and being more leaded, was easier to read. The typographic style, however, was much the same. These editions were annotated, and the very full notes were set in double column at the foot of each page. The octavo edition of Caesar of 1661 is a good instance of this format.

See chapter 15