Lucan (Lucanus, Marcus Annaeus).

Lvcanvs [= Opera].

Venice, Aldus Manutius April 1502.

8vo (160 x 95 mm.). [ii], [276], [1]p. Printed in the Aldine italic cut by Francesco Griffo, title capitals and headings in roman, printed guide letters.

CONTEMPORARY ?VENETIAN BLIND-DECORATED CALF over paper boards (edges worn, one scuff), three blind-ruled frames with repetitions of concentric circles and a foliage tool between, central rectangle with small leaves around three blocks of lozenges, diapered spine compartments, evidence of green textile ties, manuscript titling to the top and bottom edges of the book block.

First Aldine Edition of this epic poem on the war between Pompey and Caesar. Its narrative influence was wide and lasting, from 17th-century drama to the poetry of Shelley. Aldus edited and corrected the text using a manuscript from the library of Venetian patrician Marcantonio Morsini. Designed by humanist scribe and punch-cutter Griffo, “the famous Aldine italic…became the model for many subsequent types, and itself continued in use until 1559” (Aldine Press p. 23). In good condition (marginal stains in the first two and last two quires, one title inscription canceled in ink), contemporary signature on the title of Francesco Amando Cortes who also penned Di Francesco e delli amici below an epigram by Marital on the front pastedown, early motto Time te Deum in a banderole on the rear pastedown.
¶Renouard, Annales de l’imprimerie des Alde 33,3; The Aldine Press: Catalogue of the Ahmanson-Murphy Collection 56; Schweiger, Handbuch der classischen Bibliographie. Lateinische Schriftsteller I: 560; EDIT16 CNCE 36129; see Davies’ Aldus Manutius 42.

Item #11567

Price: $8,200.00