Pro L. Cornelio Balbo M. Tullii Ciceronis Oratio, cum F. Sylvii Ambiani Commentariis luculentissimis
[Paris], Vaenundatur Iodoco Badio Asce[n]sio ... [Sub prelo Ascensiano], 1535/ 1531.
Quarto (in eights), [iv], 32 leaves (numbered rectos) with several metal-cut initials and a large woodcut printer's device.
Early twentieth-century plain card covers, with the small circular morocco label of C.R. and J.E. Ashbee (of the Essex House Press) on the inside surface of the front cover; scattered foxing (generally light); edges marked; light fingermarks and other trifling signs of use; a few leaves creased; title page a little browned at the head; a very good copy.
Cicero's oration 'For Cornelius Balbus' in an early edition, the second to be printed by the influential Parisian printer and scholar Jodocus Badius (Josse Bade). The well-known woodcut device of his Ascensius Press (Prelum Asce[n]sianum), showing a busy Renaissance printing workshop, is here in its third version (Renouard, speculating that the figure pulling the bar may be a portrait of the printer). The colophon gives the precise date of publication: 'Sub prelo Ascensiano ad tertium Calen. Maii. M.D.XXXV. Cum gratia & privilegio in prima charta expositis' [29 April 1535]. Renouard: 'Bibliographie des impressions et des oeuvres de Josse Badius Ascensius' (1908).
Item #123822
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