288. Duo volumina epistolarum...

... obscurorum virorum ad D.M. Ortvinum Gratiu(m), Attico lepôre referta, denuò excusa & à mendis repurgata...
(Romae) [Frankfurt am Main], 1557. (David Zöpfel.) (502)p.
As a precedent, Johannes Reuchlin, the renowned German humanist scholar, was accused by the theologians of the University of Cologne of being bribed by the Jews after he spoke out against the burning of Hebrew books. His fellow scientists came to his defence with writings that can be read in the book. The work received many additional editions in the following centuries. Our lot is the third edition of the work (with both parts printed together) that is still considered one of the classics of Western literature and the first modern satire.
Dated (1561), paper-boarded, blind-stamped contemporary leather. The front and back panels are surrounded by a double frame made of triple lines. The strip created in this way is decorated with floral ornamented blind tools. In the centre of the first cover, the figure of Lucretia can be seen turning her dagger against herself, above which the previous owner's monogram reads "E S V.". In the centre of the restored back binding board is a depiction of Justitia holding a sword and scales.
Poss.: With ownership stamp of Gaston Gyulai Gaal.
VD16 E 1727.; BNH Cat E 207.
 
Starting price: 80,000 Ft