The first Aldine Press edition of the works of Appian Allesandrino, the ancient Roman historian, 3 volumes bound into 1, printed in 1545 in Venice under Paolus Manutius (Paolo Manuzio), 8vo. A’ilettori leaf, foreword (aiii-aiv), title page, [1-258], Aldine sig, title page, [1-175], Aldine sig, title page, [(1)-41], colophon, Aldine sig.
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Ancient Roman history by the famous ancient historian Appian. Appian's Roman history comprises narratives of the various Roman conquests from the earliest times to the accession of Vespasian, in twenty-four books (of which nine books survive in complete form). This edition being printed prior to the editio princeps of 1551.
Full title: Delle Guerre Civili de Romani di Appiano Alessandrino Proemio
(Of the Civil Wars of the Romans)
Also bound with:
Libro di Appiano Alessandrino, Nel Quale Si Contegono le Guerre, Che Fecero i Roma Ni Con li Carthaginesi, et Con Gli Spagnuoli Nella Spagna: Nuoudmente tradotto di Greco in volgare Italiano.
The above being the first translation into Italian of Appian’s history relating to Spain, 1545, Aldine Press.
Provenance:
A slightly earlier edition (1538) sold at Christie’s, 15th June 2006 lot 295 for €5,580 (eur). This book (this listing, 1545) came from a member of the de Rothschild family and was formerly in the collection of a chateau in France. Also owned by Luca Corrito c.1650.
Condition:
Binding appears to be original vellum. Collated as complete with pagination above. Edge damage to pp.aii-pp.59, affecting text of pp.aii-pp.13, a few letters to edges of words lacking to pp.9-pp.13, loss of words and up to a maximum of ~1cm of the edge of the page block from aii-8. Leaf 7-8 loose but present. Text block split at pp.231-232 with tailcap detached from text block but attached to binding. Hinges and joints VG+ and securely attached. Minor wear to binding as commensurate with age, but in phenomenal condition for a post-incunable binding.
With Aldine signatures present to reverso of first volume colophon and volume two title page, the verso of volume three title page and the title page itself, and the reverso of volume three colophon [Total Aldine sigs: 5, 3 as leaves].
Text block entirely clean except for an early faded ownership inscription to aii, and to the reverso of the colophon. Some leaves with very light evidence of being folded (pagemarking). The significant majority of the text block is near fine with light toning and some very minor staining to some page edges not affecting text.
Literature:
Renouard pp.134-135, n.19; The Aldine Press, pp.223, n.339;
