[Annius, Joannes (1430-1502)]

folio (260 x 187mm.), ff. [6], 151, illustration: woodcut printer's device pasted to title-page, woodcut illustration, woodcut initials, manuscript marginalia in Greek, Latin and Hebrew, binding: eighteenth-century calf, gilt triple fillet border with corner fleurons, spine gilt in compartments, lettering-piece, first leaf torn and rebacked (obscuring text on verso), printer's device cut out (?from a different work) and mounted on title-page, lacking final blank, marginal damp-staining on preliminary leaves, cropped affecting some manuscript marginalia

"Duval Ebroicae (of Evreux) doctor med 1623", inscription on title-page 

Moreau II, 1181; Renouard, Ascensius, II, 36

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."

Annius' (in)famous collection of forgeries, or deliramenta as they were termed by Scaliger, had first appeared in 1498. The present edition is a reprint of the 1512 Ascensius/Petit edition. A curious element of the present copy is the apparent addition of Petit's device to the title-page. Copies of this edition are known with both Ascensius' and Petit's devices on the title, and it would seem that an early owner has deliberately excised the Ascensius device that was originally here and replaced it with Petit's device from another copy or another work.