Apollonius Rhodius

4to (214 x 160mm.), 171 leaves (of 172, without final blank leaf), α-θ λ κ-φ⁸ χ⁴, 28 lines of text, Greek type (Alopa's small capitals for the text, and lower case for the commentary), eighteenth-century green half morocco, light foxing, extremities slightly rubbed

James Lewis Knight Bruce (1791-1866), of Roehampton, bookplate

Goff A924; HC 1292; BMC vi 667; Bod-inc A-361; GW 2271

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."

Editio princeps. Laurentius de Alopa produced works in Greek from 1494 (beginning with the first edition of the Planudean Anthology) to about 1498, under the direction of Janus Lascaris. His distinctive typeface of small inscriptional capitals was very easy to read (particularly here, where it clearly distinguishes the main text from the commentary) compared with the standard intricacies of Greek typography. The date of Alopa's Greek venture overlaps with Aldus's, and indeed Lascaris's pupil Marcus Musurus became one of Aldus's main editors of Greek texts.