Xenophon

folio (291 x 205mm.), text in Greek, with the blank leaf, old vellum, a few early annotations, lacking final leaf (only containing printer's device, supplied in facsimile), a few small ink stains on first few leaves, inscription erased from foot of title-page, occasional light foxing, light damp-staining towards end, spine torn, spine repaired at head

Gilhofer & Ranschberg, 18 February 1977, 1200 francs, pencil inscription on inside front cover

Censimento 16 CNCE 55227; Pettas, Giunti, p.205

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 collected edition of the writings of Xenophon. This is one of many Greek editions published by Filippo Giunta in the years 1515-1517, most (or all) of which were edited by Euphrosynus Boninus, a student of Poliziano and a physician (see also lot 4, the 1515 Giunta edition of Aristophanes).

The Greek type used here by the Giunta press came from Zacharias Callierges, who had used it in Venice in 1509. The papal privilege from the Florentine pope Leo X, granted in February 1516, is reproduced on the verso of the preface; Giunta sought to have the privilege granted to Aldus with regard to printing texts in Greek and italics in 1513 revoked, and this was Leo's attempt to mediate.