Publius Vergilius Maro [Virgil]. Opera. Venice: Georgius Arrivabenus, 27th June 1489, folio.
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Being one of the most printed titles in the incunable period, it is surprising that early printed editions of Virgil's Opera are comparatively very scarce in commerce. However, of the numerous editions printed in the incunable period, this one stands out for its inclusion of the important and highly influential commentary of Cristoforo Landino surrounding the text. A nice copy in an attractive binding with very interesting marginalia throughout the text, though particularly through the Aeneid which is sure to repay any study profitably concerning the interpretation of Virgil in the late medieval and early modern periods.
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Condition:
[(3), ii-vii, a1-8, b2-8, c-i8, k6, l-z8, &8, *8, **8, A-C8, D2, D2-8, E-8, O6, (3)]
19th century half vellum over paper backed boards, binding secure with both boards securely attached, stands without shelf lean. Title label chipped, binding slightly rubbed but generally well presented. Page block attached to binding at top and bottom interior vellum bands, but secure. Lacks i1 (blank), i8 (final preliminary) and b1. Leaves D2 and D7 are erroneously bound in twice as originally bound, and so there are two leaves lacking in gathering D but eight leaves in the gathering. For this edition this appears to be a common occurrence among extant copies. The * and ** gatherings are actually signed with a different signature, but the symbols aren't supported here, but nonetheless these two gatherings collate as complete. This copy ends at fol.316 (colophon) and so does not include Maffeo Vegio's continuation of the Aeneid which is called for, though many extant copies lack this, and would conclude with fol.346, but it would seem that this copy was never bound with this originally as the offsetting from marginalia and toning are on opposing pages concerning the last pages of the Aeneid & Registrum and the colophon, indicating it was never present. Gathering of preliminaries (all preceding a1) slightly loose in binding, but attached. Some dampstaining and marks throughout the text, heavier in places, but largely presentable as pictured. Marginalia throughout in several hands which is sure to repay any study profitably, sporadic through the first sections, but more abundant through the text of the Aeneid as expected. Some rough sketches on the recto and verso of the colophon in the hand of the most prolific of the various hands. Marginalia ranges from roughly near contemporary through to circa the 18th century. Ownership inscription of Benedetti di Giovanni to head of s6, circa 18th century, clearly unrelated to Giovanni Benedetti, the famous 16th century Venetian mathematician who wrote on music theory, despite the interesting 16th century music notes written to the colophon's recto.
[Goff V186; ISTC iv00186000; GW M49865; Pell MS11639; Bod-Inc V-096; OCLC 37949604, 79960524].
