Plantin began his work in Antwerp as a binder, but he shortly added to his business a shop for books. In 1555, he entered upon his responsibilities as a printer and publisher by the publication of a small volume entitled _Institution d’une Fille de Noble Maison_. This was followed, in the same year, by _Flores de l’anneo Seneca_, translated into Spanish “with privilege of the magistracy.” The following titles, selected from the publishing record and catalogues, will give an impression of the general character of Plantin’s undertakings during the earlier years of his career: 1556. “Le Favori du Court.” “Comites Flandriæ,” by Jacob Meyer. “Sossiego de Lalma” (in Spanish). “Lettres Amoureuses de Messer Girolam Parabosque.” Translated from Italian into French. Almanacs and Calendars: the printing of these, begun in 1556, continued for many years as a most important division of his business. 1557. Liturgies. “Vocabulaire François-Flameng,” by Meunier. “La Grammaire Française,” by Meunier. These two were printed at the expense of the author, to whom the privilege was issued. The Four Orations of Cicero against Catiline. “Le Livre de la Victoire contre toutes tribulations.” Translated by Doré. “La Divine Philosophie de Vivre.” 1558. “Virgil,” “Horace,” “S. Jerome” (in Latin). “Theologia Germanica.” “Letters of Phalaris.” “Isocrates.” “Histoire et description de l’Ethiopée.” “Theologia Germanica.” Printed (in Latin and French) with privilege royal, having been approved by Alva or by his examiners. “Chiromancie de Fricasse.” 1559. The “Decameron” of Boccaccio (in French). “Le Nouveau Testament.” Of the latter he printed 2500 copies. In 1560, he had remaining 372 copies. A Description of the Funeral Ceremonies of Charles V. (a magnificent folio, printed at the expense of Philip II.). “Les Amours et Opuscules de Ronsard.” “L’Histoire et description de l’Afrique,” par Jean Léon. 1560. “Historia de gentibus septentrionalibus,” by Olaus Magnus. A portion of the edition was sold at Frankfort, while plates of the illustrations were sold to Paul Aldus, in Venice. “Le Premier Livre des Odes, de Charles de Rouillon,” _Avec grâce et privilége du Roy_. This privilege is given by the Privy Council in the name of the King. The document certifies that the Odes “ne contiennent aucune mauvaise secte ou doctrine.” “Terentius,” “Catullus,” “Tibullus,” “Propertius.” “Dictionnaire Tetraglotton.” 1561. “Amadis de Gaule.” In this year, Plantin secured in all seven privileges. 1562. “Traité sur la Réformation,” by de Sainctes. Boëthius, “De Consolatione Philosophiæ.” 1564. “Virgilii Opera.” “The Psalms.” French Version (with royal privilege).