Alexander VI, Pope

Chancery 4to (197 x 138mm.), 16 leaves, a-b⁸, lettres bâtardes, 30 lines, two woodcut initials, without wrappers in a modern folding buckram box, a sample of the previous binding pasted to the box with a note from the Cockerell Bindery dated 1986, a few leaves repaired in gutter

from the library of the Celestines of Sens, early inscription at end; Law Society, armorial bookplate

GW 909; Pellechet 429

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."

Rare, one of only two copies listed by ISTC (the other is in Niort). Jean de Vingle is known to have used this typeface in 1493 and 1494, so it is possible this work dates from those years.

Rodrigo Borgia had run the Papal Chancery efficiently for many years before his election as Alexander VI. He produced his first rules for Chancery procedure soon after his election, on 27 August 1492; for another edition of these rules updated in May 1499, see lot 4.