De Casibus illustrium Virorum, followed by a brief Life of Boccaccio by Jean Thierry of Beauvais

Abstract

Giovanni Boccaccio (1313-1375), De Casibus Illustrium Virorum, followed by a brief Life of Boccaccio by Jean Thierry of Beauvais. Pr. Jean Gormont and Jean Petit, Paris, undated (soon after 1500). A very rare imprint of a popular work in Latin, in a limp vellum binding, possibly contemporary. An example of rather amateurish printing: the lines of type not straight, poor word-spacing, random use of upper- and lower-case letters in names. There are also an unusual number and variety of abbreviations used in manuscripts. One of the innovations that developed with the printed book was the title page, rarely found in manuscripts. This one shows an unusual (and not very happy) combination of gothic and roman typefaces. Acquired by R. L. Dunbabin, first Professor of Classics at the University of Tasmania, 1 March 1915, and given by him to the University Library in 1940. Cent Rare PQ 4274 .D1 1500z.