Pindar (c. 518-c. 438 BC).

4to (219 x 156mm.), ff. [244], with blank leaves i6 and [theta]10, [beta]1 and A3 printed in red and black, illustration: woodcut devices of Benigno and Callierges on title-page and final verso, binding: nineteenth-century green roan by Hatton of Manchester, Macclesfield arms gilt on upper cover, first and last leaves slightly soiled, spine faded

Censimento 16 CNCE 23572

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."

Pindar's literary remains comprise for the most part these epinicia, choral odes in honour of a winner in the games. They are grouped by game, Olympian, Pythian, Nemean or Isthmian. Aldus published the editio princeps in 1513, but with an inferior text and without the scholia here present.

the first greek book to be printed in rome. Callierges had previously worked in Venice as a printer, producing four Greek works in 1499-1500 and four in 1509; when not printing he also worked as a scribe in Venice and Padua. He moved to Rome in 1514 at the request of Pope Leo X in order to teach at the Greek Gymnasium there under the direction of Janus Lascaris. Callierges' press was funded by Cardinal Chigi through his chancellor, Cornelio Benigno, and was established in the Villa Chigi, where he printed literary and liturgical works until 1523. This is one of only two works issued with the name of Benigno, who is later recorded as selling on unsold copies of both works to a bookseller in Padua.

The type for this book was cast from punches or matrices of the one that Callierges had used in Venice. The original type was subsequently employed by the Giunta press in Florence.