Description:
Lactantius, Lucius Coelius Firmianus (c. 250-c. 325) Divinarum institutionum Libri septem. De Ira Dei Liber I. De opificio Dei, Liber I. Epitome in Libros suos Liber Acephalos. Phoenix. Carmen de Dominica Resurrectione. Venice: [in Aedibus Aldi, et Andreae Soceri Mense Aprili], 1515. First Aldine edition, octavo, published shortly after Aldus Manutius's death on 6 February 1515, woodcut printer's device on title only, verso of colophon leaf blank in this copy, text in italic type with some Greek sections, initial spaces left blank, bound in modern half calf, contemporary note on title mentioning Erasmus's approval of the text, some contemporary underlinings and brackets in red, a few scattered notes, some cropped, 5 3/4 x 3 1/2 in.
aa-bb8, a-z8, A-Y8.
Aldus prepared Lactantius's text for the press and then passed the work to Giovanni Battista Egnazio. In his preface, Egnazio praises Aldus's learned achievements even as he laments his loss. No one in the workshop could replace Aldus.
Estimate $600-800
Items may have wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.
John Dorfman
Director, Books & Manuscripts
508-970-3293
Fine Books & Manuscripts
The Fine Books & Manuscripts department delivers scholarship, expertise, and attention to detail in appraisals, evaluations, and auctions of rare books and historically important material ranging from medieval manuscripts to presidential documents.