Plinius Secundus, Gaius.

Royal folio (407 x 260mm.), 413 leaves (of 415, without initial and final blank leaves), 50 lines, Roman letter, 2- to 12-line initial spaces with printed guides, first and last few leaves recently ruled in red, modern crushed brown morocco by Sangorski and Sutcliffe, gilt edges, first leaf cut out and remargined, the next 9 leaves, [Q]10 and [V]1-9 cut down remargined at outer edge, a few small wormholes at beginning and end, last leaf slightly soiled

H 13105; BMC v 176; Goff P801; Klebs 787.1

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 italian edition of Pliny's encyclopaedic work, translated by the Florentine humanist Cristoforo Landino (1424-1492). It was the first translation into the vernacular commissioned for the specific purpose of publication in print, having been commissioned from Landino and Jenson by the Strozzi banking firm in Florence. The Latin text was first printed in Venice by Johannes de Spira in 1469, then twice by Sweynheym and Pannartz in Rome (two different editions, one by Giannandrea Bussi in 1470, the other by Niccolò Perotti in 1473). Jenson's Latin edition, based on Bussi's text, appeared in 1472.

The print run of this edition seems to have been far larger than usual, as it is documented that 1,000 copies were printed. By contrast, Johannes de Spira's editio princeps had a print run of only 100 copies and the two Sweynheym and Pannartz editions about 300 each.