DEMPSTER, Thomas (editor). Antiquitatum Romanarum Corpus Absolutissimum. Geneva: Samuel Chouët, 1558 [1659]. 4to (237 x 161mm.) Title in red and black, woodcut device to title, 2 folding plates, woodcut illustrations within text, 141pp. index to rear. (Browning, scattered spotting, marginal damp-staining throughout, marginal insect damage pp.89-105.) Contemporary vellum, manuscript lettering to spine (wear to spine ends, soiling, discolouring, creased). Note: previously owned by William Hamilton, diplomat and politician and husband of Emma Hamilton. Hamilton has inscribed his name on the title page and dated it ‘Messina, October 21st, 1799’. It was during this period that, having defeated the French at the Battle of the Nile, Nelson and his fleet arrived in Naples where he was a guest of William and Emma Hamilton. By the time the three of them left to return to England at the beginning of 1800, Emma and Nelson had become lovers. Provenance: William Hamilton, diplomat and politician (ink name to title, dated 1799); J. Walker (ink name to title, dated 1850); J.W. Rose, antique dealer (ink name verso blank, dated 1921); E.R. Walker (ink name to title, dated 1879).