Volume bound for Louis XIV (B.3.28)

An edition of Cicero's De natura deorum edited with a commentary by Pierre Lescalopier, with a decorated binding produced for Louis XIV of France. Note the French Royal badge in the centre, and the repeating crowned 'L' motif surrounding it. The book belonged to Matthew Prior, the poet and diplomat. He became plenipotentiary at Paris in 1712, which is probably where he obtained this volume.