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Details
RODERICUS ZAMORENSIS (1404-1470). Speculum vitae humanae. Rome: Sweynheym and Pannartz, 1468.
The third book printed in Rome, first edition and a copy with notable provenance. The handsome binding indicates that this copy belonged to an unnamed Dutch collector of incunables in the first part of the 18th century, one of the first generation of European bibliophiles interested in early printing. See M.M. Foot, "An eighteenth-century incunable collector in the Hague," in: Incunabula. Studies in fifteenth century printed books, presented to Lotte Hellinga [London 1999], pp.371-86). The rubricator has added an interstitial Latin motto to the colophon, translated: “writers without a pen are like painters with olive oil.” Goff R-214.
Quarto (280 x 194mm). 149 leaves (only, of 150): [a10 (-a1) b-f10 g8 h12 i-n10 o-p8 *4] (first leaf supplied c.1720, without loss of text and decorated to match). Rubricated throughout including initials, capital strokes and decorations to chapter headings, two 6-line polychrome initials with border extensions one of which is on the supplied leaf (some faintly printed words or letters inked over, scattered minor stains, occasional early corrections). 18th-century red Dutch goatskin gilt with tools of the Fleuron Bindery of the Hague (mild scuffing).
The third book printed in Rome, first edition and a copy with notable provenance. The handsome binding indicates that this copy belonged to an unnamed Dutch collector of incunables in the first part of the 18th century, one of the first generation of European bibliophiles interested in early printing. See M.M. Foot, "An eighteenth-century incunable collector in the Hague," in: Incunabula. Studies in fifteenth century printed books, presented to Lotte Hellinga [London 1999], pp.371-86). The rubricator has added an interstitial Latin motto to the colophon, translated: “writers without a pen are like painters with olive oil.” Goff R-214.
Quarto (280 x 194mm). 149 leaves (only, of 150): [a10 (-a1) b-f10 g8 h12 i-n10 o-p8 *4] (first leaf supplied c.1720, without loss of text and decorated to match). Rubricated throughout including initials, capital strokes and decorations to chapter headings, two 6-line polychrome initials with border extensions one of which is on the supplied leaf (some faintly printed words or letters inked over, scattered minor stains, occasional early corrections). 18th-century red Dutch goatskin gilt with tools of the Fleuron Bindery of the Hague (mild scuffing).
Sale room notice
The first leaf is a c.1720 facsimile inserted in order to complete this copy.