Platina, Bartholomaeus Sacchi de

Chancery folio (292 x 194mm.), 240 leaves, a¹⁰ b-o⁸ p⁶ q-y⁸ z¹⁰ & aa-ee⁸ ff⁶, 39 lines, roman letter, a2 and a3 both with an 8-line initial in blue on a gold, green and purple ground and a coat of arms of a hawk on a gold ground inside a laurel wreath at the foot, 3- to 7-line initials in red and blue, contemporary manuscript index on blank leaf a1, early annotations in black and red ink (slightly shaved), manuscript pencil notes (by Mendham?) against the entry for Pope John VIII i.e. Pope Joan (on m4) and with dates against the following few entries, eighteenth-century calf, spine gilt in compartments, red edges, in brown buckram folding box, first leaf and last leaf slightly soiled, coats of arms slightly worn, small marginal wormholes in last quire, rebacked retaining original spine, extremities repaired

Law Society, armorial bookplate

Goff P768; HC 13045; BMC v 235; Bod-inc P342; GW M33887

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 of Platina's influential history of the popes from the Apostle Peter to Paul II (who died in 1471); Platina used his history to write unfavourably about Paul II who had dismissed him from his post in the papal chancery. Platina dedicated his work to Sixtus IV who had reappointed him to work in the Vatican, and in 1475 he was appointed Vatican librarian.

Johannes de Colonia and Johannes Manthen took over Vindelinus de Spira's business in 1474 and continued through the 1470s as the major competitor to Nicolas Jenson, with whom they merged their business in 1480 after the death of Johannes de Colonia.