12 - Manutius, Paulus

Manutius, Paulus The Eleven Books of the Epistles of Paulus Manutius, with one recently added. The same works known as the “Praefationes.” Maximilian II. With a woodcut printer’s mark on the title page. Venice, at the Manutian Press, 1573. Small 8°. 8 leaves, 557 pp. (and appended: Pauli Manutii praefationes quibus libri ad illustres viros aut ad amico missi commendatur), 1 blank leaf, 136 pp., 3 leaves. (Reg.) Contemporary half-leather binding with handwritten title label. Rare edition bearing the Aldine printer’s mark. - Not listed in VD16 - Cf. Renouard, p. 216, 9. - The work contains eleven books (libri XI) with elegant letters written in Latin to leading scholars, cardinals, and princes of his era, in addition, the volume also contains his famous *Praefationes* (prefaces), with which he recommended the ancient classics he had edited to illustrious patrons. - Title page slightly stained, occasional faint moisture stain along the center fold; overall, a fine copy. Rare edition bearing the Aldine printer’s device. Not listed in VD16. Cf. Renouard, p. 216, no. 9. The work comprises eleven books (libri XI) of elegant Latin letters addressed to leading scholars, cardinals, and princes of the author’s time. The volume also contains his celebrated *Praefationes* (prefaces), in which he commended the editions of classical authors he had prepared to distinguished patrons. Title page somewhat spotted, occasional faint dampstaining in the central gutter; overall, a good copy.