Scriptores rei rusticae (Opera Agricolationum, De re rustica)

Reggio Emilia: Dionysius Bertochus, 1496. Fourth Edition. Hardcover (rebound in leather). Very Good Condition. Later but old full vellum, penned title to spine, 272 leaves, 3 wormholes through text and others in the margin, touching letters all the way through but not affecting sense, generally. Widening out for around 20 leaves in the center where sense is affected. Light dampstain to lower margin, two leaves with corner loss, not coming near text. Scattered mostly minor soiling and discoloration - overall an attractive copy despite the faults. Goff S349, is00349000

The fourth incunable edition of the major classical works of agriculture and rural life. First published by Jenson in 1472 - this edition follows the Dionysius Bertochus printing of 1496. An enormously influential work that covers bee keeping, wine making, farming, olives, cattle, food recipe for cakes, preserving ham, etc, and, in Cato, a host of rural wisdom, customs and superstitions (cf. before drinking eat cabbage with vinegar and you can drink as much as you like and never get drunk). Simon Bibliotheca Bacchica (incunabula) 45, Simon BG 309, Bitting 79 (later edition), Vicaire 192 (1472 1st ed. and later French editions), Cagle 1184a (1472 ed.)
Size: Folio. Text is in Latin. Quantity Available: 1. Shipped Weight: 2-3 kilos. Category: Cooking, Wine & Dining; Latin Language; Farming & Rural Life. Inventory No: CAT000524.