Ex XIII. T. Livii Decadibus [...]. [Together with] Polybii libri V de rebus Romanis in latinum traducti à Nicolao Perotto [...]. Venice: Aldine Press, 1520-1521, folio.
A PHENOMENAL COPY OF THE FIRST FOLIO OF LIVY FROM THE ALDINE PRESS, COLLATED AS COMPLETE, INCLUDING THE VERY RARE FIFTH PART (POLYBIUS).
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This is a work which is exceptionally rare to find complete with the fifth section as here, and exceptionally rare in any state of completion. Presented here is a complete copy inclusive of all five parts. The first four parts were released between October and December 1520, but the final fifth part did not follow until February 1521, and so most extant copies lack this fifth part (Polybii Libri VI de rebus Romanis...). It was clearly intended to accompany the four parts of Livy, as it is mentioned on the main title page.
16th century printings of Livy are very rare indeed. This edition, from the important Aldine Press, is one of the most desirable editions extant. This copy is a genuine treasure, an exceptional rarity. In Adams' bibliography, he describes this edition thus: "Elle est fort rare" (she is very rare), and indeed, this is emphasised in all the major bibliographies. It is remarked as being so rare by Renouard, that he never "had the fortune [to see]" a copy complete with the fifth part.
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Provenance:
Early Italian ownership with some marginalia to the first few quires (in Latin).
MS note pasted to verso of front blank which reads: " Libro rarissimo e di magnifica conservazione, contiene anche il Polibio (che, come dice il Renouard nel Catalogo dei libri aldini, per esser raro non ebbe mai la sorte di poterlo vedere...). Il prezzo è arbitrario. Vedi Renouard, Catalogo dei libri non di Aldo", which translates as: "A very rare book and in magnificent condition, it also contains Polybius (which, as Renouard says in the Catalogue of Aldine Books, was so rare that he never had the fortune of being able to see it...). The price is arbitrary. See Renouard, Catalogue of Aldine Books."
And another extensive note pasted below, in French, dated 1834, relating to Renouard's catalogue of Aldine editions and comparing this to the octavo Aldine edition of 1518-23, also commenting on its rarity.
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Size: 222 x 319 mm (approx.)
Condition:
[(2), A1-8, B1-6, a1-m8, n1-10, *1-10, aa1-mm8, nn1-6, **1-10, aaa1-qqq8, A1-I8, (1)]
18th century half calf over boards, tooled red morocco labels laid down to spine reading 'Livii Opera Omnia' and 'Aldus 1521'. The main title page is undated with the colophon dated January 1521. Parts 2-5 each have their own individually dated colophons, reading thus: Decas tertia (October 1520), Decas quarta (November 1520), Decadum XIIII epitomae (December 1520), Polybii Historiarum libri quinque in Latinam conuersi linguam (February 1521). This folio was printed over quite a few months, being the second overall Aldine edition following the octavo edition which was printed between 1518 and 1523. Both boards are securely attached, the binding secure, stands without shelf lean. Minor shelf wear. Hinges fine. Very slight shadow of a now removed bookplate to front pastedown with some pencil writing above which reads 'Livius 1520; Polybius 1521'. There are two manuscript notes pasted to the verso of the front original blank, as described under provenance, above. Both are in Italian, indicative of early Italian ownership. The binding also appears Italian in style. Some contemporary marginalia to the first few quires, not extensive, and terminating fairly quickly. General toning with the occasional spotting through the text block, but generally remains exceptionally clean and bright throughout. Collated as complete, without the original blanks. The large printer's device leaf (I8) which is usually lacking, is here present. There is some heavier spotting to the verso of this leaf. Some minor worming to a few margins, never affecting the text. The full text is legible without loss of sense. An excellent example of this rare & desirable book.
[Adams L1323; Renouard 89/6; USTC 838282; Edit16 37644].
