Description:
4to (204x150 mm). 100, [4] pp. The last leaf is a blank. Collation: A-N4. Title-page within an elaborate woodcut border with at the center Rouillé's device. 18th-century vellum over boards, gilt spine, marbled endpapers, red edges. Slightly browned throughout. A good copy.RARE FIRST EDITION (it was reprinted in 1558 and in 1560). The publisher Guillaume Rouillé (1518?-1588), who, starting with an Italian translation of De viris illustribus urbis Romae, published at the Sign of Venice in Lyons during his life over seventy book in Italian. These were addressed not only to the Italians residing in France, but also to the many Frenchmen, who had learned Italian in the course of war, study, or business. Rouillé had apprehended the book business in Venice with Giovanni and Gabriello Giolito and established himself at Lyons in 1543. His book production exceeded that of Robert Estienne, Gryphius and de Tournes, and his learning at least equalled theirs. His firm gained European reputation and his books… Read More