Details
May 1533, Paulus Manutius & Torresani Bros.
CASTIGLIONE, Baldassare (Count, 1478-1529). Il libro del Cortegiano. Aldine 8° (161 x 94mm). Collation: a8 (title with device 8, Franc. Asolano's preface, author's dedication to Miguel de Silva, Bishop of Viseu); b-z A-D8 E4 (text, E3v quire register and colophon In Venetia nelle case delli heredi d'Aldo Romano, et d'Andrea d'Asola suo suocero, nell' anno MDXXXIII delmese di Maggio, E4v device 8). 220 leaves. Italic type 2:80. Initial-spaces with guide-letters. (A few tiny marginal wormholes and light dampstain at beginning and end.)
BINDING: contemporary Italian brown morocco gilt, panelled sides, fleuron and vineleaf tools, fillets dividing compartments of spine, manuscript paper label in top compartment somewhat later, (slight rubbing, ties gone). No other sign of provenance.
Second Aldine edition. Gianfrancesco Torresano dedicates it to gentlewomen and states to have reprinted it from the author's corrected autograph copy, in a smaller and handier format [than the 1528 original edition in folio]. The Courtier represents the highest moral and social ideas of the Italian Renaissance, was issued in countless editions all over Europe, and in England became one of the most popular books of the Elizabethan age.
After Andrea Torresano d'Asolo had died in 1529, the printing shop immediately closed down, perhaps because of a dispute between Aldo's and Andrea's heirs. Four years later it reopened under a newly formulated imprint and was jointly directed by Aldo's youngest son, Paolo (aged 20), and Andrea's middle-aged sons, Gianfrancesco and Federico. Adams C-926; Murphy 225; In Praise p. 65; R 107:2
CASTIGLIONE, Baldassare (Count, 1478-1529). Il libro del Cortegiano. Aldine 8° (161 x 94mm). Collation: a8 (title with device 8, Franc. Asolano's preface, author's dedication to Miguel de Silva, Bishop of Viseu); b-z A-D8 E4 (text, E3v quire register and colophon In Venetia nelle case delli heredi d'Aldo Romano, et d'Andrea d'Asola suo suocero, nell' anno MDXXXIII delmese di Maggio, E4v device 8). 220 leaves. Italic type 2:80. Initial-spaces with guide-letters. (A few tiny marginal wormholes and light dampstain at beginning and end.)
BINDING: contemporary Italian brown morocco gilt, panelled sides, fleuron and vineleaf tools, fillets dividing compartments of spine, manuscript paper label in top compartment somewhat later, (slight rubbing, ties gone). No other sign of provenance.
Second Aldine edition. Gianfrancesco Torresano dedicates it to gentlewomen and states to have reprinted it from the author's corrected autograph copy, in a smaller and handier format [than the 1528 original edition in folio]. The Courtier represents the highest moral and social ideas of the Italian Renaissance, was issued in countless editions all over Europe, and in England became one of the most popular books of the Elizabethan age.
After Andrea Torresano d'Asolo had died in 1529, the printing shop immediately closed down, perhaps because of a dispute between Aldo's and Andrea's heirs. Four years later it reopened under a newly formulated imprint and was jointly directed by Aldo's youngest son, Paolo (aged 20), and Andrea's middle-aged sons, Gianfrancesco and Federico. Adams C-926; Murphy 225; In Praise p. 65; R 107:2