Crescentiis, Petrus de

Chancery folio (293 x 211mm.), 210 leaves (of 212, without final two blanks), [a-r¹⁰ s¹² t¹⁰ v¹² x⁸], 35 lines, gothic type, two 6- and 8-line illuminated initials in pink and lilac with decorative illuminated flourishes in two borders, 2- to 6-line initials in red or blue, red book and chapter numbers, red paraphs, initial strokes and underlining, 6 leaves of contemporary manuscript index bound at front, contemporary reversed calf over wooden boards (possibly a remboitage), old manuscript pastedowns, metal centre- and cornerpieces, two clasps, slipcase, illumination slightly rubbed and shaved at foot, a few wormholes and some light staining at beginning of volume, [f]1 torn at inner lower corner

price 4s-6d on flyleaf; NP, Regensburg, 1636, inscription on first leaf; Marcel Jeanson, bookplate, sale, Sotheby's Monaco, 28 February 1987, lot 149

Goff C965; HC 5828; BMC ii 328; BSB-Ink C-695; Bod-inc C-477; GW 7820; Klebs 310.1; Fairfax Murray, German 126; Simon BG 401

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

FIRST EDITION, a large and crisp copy, of the first printed book on agriculture, a practical manual written in the early fourteenth century by the retired lawyer Pietro de' Crescenzi, based on his country estate Villa dell'Olmo, just outside Bologna. He also made use of classical sources on estate management, such as Cato and Palladius, as well as other writers including Pliny the Elder, Avicenna and Dioscorides.