Ubaldini, Petruccio

Small 4to (8 1/2 x 6 1/8 in.; 215 x 155 mm). Woodcut ornament on title, woodcut headpieces and decorative initials; marginal soiling and spotting, leaves A2-4 browned.  Eighteenth-century vellum, gilt-stamped oval central medallion on each cover; soiled, ties gone, a few tears in backstrip.

Hodgson & Co., 23 April 1953, lot 77 (to Rosenbach). acquisition: Bernard Quaritch

STC 24488; ESTC S118916

marginal soiling and spotting, leaves A2-4 browned. Eighteenth-century vellum, gilt-stamped oval central medallion on each cover; soiled, ties gone, a few tears in backstrip.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

First edition, second issue, inscribed by the author to William Cecil-Lord Burghley. The first issue, whose title lacked Wolf’s name in the imprint, has been cancelled by quire [par.] containing a new title-page and a dedication to Elizabeth I.

Ubaldini (fl. 1545-1599), of uncertain birth in the Florentine state but learned in classical languages, sought patronage in both Venice and England with his writings. Having already composed a diplomatic relation on the court of London for the Venetian Signoria, he settled in London and in May 1574 debts caused him to petition Lord Burghley, the lord high treasurer, for financial assistance from the crown. At the same time he presented Elizabeth I with a manuscript of the present work (now lost). Italian culture was fashionable at court by then, and Ubaldini found work with the printer John Wolf.

His inscription, in elegant italic, includes four lines of poetry and a seven-line dedication to Burghley "great treasurer of the Kingdom of England" dated "1592."