The 1538 edition with a "Novara" imprint is the first, from which this second edition by Marcolini was reprinted. Two different editions were also published in 1539, one of which is apparently the second issue of the present edition. This Ragionamento, dedicated to King François I, is the third part of Aretino's prose dialogues; it satirizes the flattery and sycophancy of Italian court life and forms a striking contrast with Castiglione's Cortegiano (1528). All contemporary editions of Aretino's works are OF THE GREATEST RARITY, and their bibliography awaits modern treatment.

PROVENANCE:
An early owner has scored through the words "Divus" and "virtutum, ac" from the letterpress caption to the woodcut portrait of the notorious writer, Divus P. Aretinus acerrimus virtutum , ac vitiorum demonstrator. Bookplate of Giacomo Manzoni