MYTHOLOGIAE

1581. CONTI, Natale. MYTHOLOGIAE, sive Explicationum Fabularum Libri X. In quibus omnia prope Naturalis & Moralis Philosophia dogmata contenta fuisse demonstantur. Nuper ab ipso autore pluribus sexcentis locis aucti & locupletati... Quibus accedunt libri quattuor venationum carmine ab eodem conscripti. Venice [Comin da Tradino] 1581. 8vo. [xvi]730[44]pp. Second edition, enlarged and enriched by the author. First published in 1551, Conti's collection of myths and fables, gathered from hundreds of Classical texts, was extremely popular throughout Europe. Thematically arranged, the ten books were titled "why Lucina was the Goddess of childbirth," "The origin of the Olympic Games and other competitions," "How outstanding men sought fame," etc. An attractively printed book, with woodcut fountain of Cupid on title, ornamental initials, and final pages of sections printed in chalice or arrowhead shapes. General index, and indexes of places, plants, and animals appearing in the text. Conti's long poem on hunting, in four books is at the end. Internally fine, with only faint foxing here and there, and a little underlining to page 3. Vellum over boards, with neat spine title in ink, light rubbing to extremities and a few spots. Mottled edges.