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Dati Fiorentino, M. Giogio (translator) : Valerio Massimo de' Detti, et Fatti notabili de' Romani. Oue, oltre alla cognitione dell' Istorie, si contengogno molti documenti, & essempi, non meno utili, che necessarij all uita humana. Con due tauole, una de' Capitoli, l'altra della cose degne di memoria

Domenico, & Gio. Battista Guerra, fratelli, Venetia, 1564

321 pages (complete). Velum cover. Pocket sized. In Italian throughout. Publication date on title page (beneath brand) is M.D.LXIIII ; on the final page the date of registered publication is 1563. From the press of the Battista Guerra brothers, Domenico and Giovanni from Pavia. Their publishing house was successful enough to have its own press. Their business, at one time listed among the top five in Venice, was in activity from 1560 - 1600 (although there is evidence of other publications published later under the brand (e.g. 1604)). During this time they published 360 titles amongst them, most unusually and importantly, women writers under their own names (hence their popularity with modern feminists). The brothers' business was amongst the strongest of the 16th Century in Venice as was recognised by the State on a number of occasions. So, successful that they are rated as only second to Manutius in importance and activity. Giorgio Dati from Florence was amongst the busiest translators of the time. This translation was widely published. He died in 1557. The brand of this copy is of an eagle soaring towards the sun at the top right edge, as it loses feathers. This is enclosed in a scrolled frame with the inscription "Renovata inventus". The velum cover is healthy, flexible and venerable. The book has original leather string binding. The strings are youthful and fast. Although marked and stained the cover sure and very secure. The spine has the title ('Valerio Massimo') twice in different fonts and hands. Inside, the vellum is securely attached and secured. The paste-downs are sure. The paper trims, which are neat and sure, have some surface stains and aging. All three sides have the title ('Valerio Massimo') written in different hands. It is still possible to see the handwork needed to affix and work the cover. The frontispage has a previous owner inscription in handwriting: "Ad usum Bastilij de ferraris" (For the use of Bastilij of Ferraro). The paper was to the standard enforced by the Venetian State (who took the publishing business so seriously as to strictly punish the use of low quality paper). Consequently, the pages are in good, fresh-like condition. There are sporadic and occasional stains from storage and ownership. There are also a few annotations from previous owners. The pages have printer signatures. The printing is very clear and spry. The page health is vigorous and very assured. The binding at page 145 and 168 is loosened but is still vigorous and sure. For its age this is an exciting book that is seeped in it's ownerships and histories. Shiveringly wonderful to hold. fk. Book Condition: Good. Binding: Soft cover. Jacket: Good

1st Edition.

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