Lactantius Firmianus, Lucius Coelius

8vo (150 x 90mm.), text in italics, woodcut Aldine device on both title-pages and final verso, nineteenth-century red morocco gilt with Aldine device stamped in gilt, spine gilt in compartments, first title-page repaired at foot

"Henry de Cessole", i.e. Henry Spitalieri, comte de Cessole (1810-1875), inscription on flyleaf; [Sir Edward Sullivan, sale, Sotheby's, 19 May 1890, lot 175 ("morocco"), 2s., to Ridler]; William O'Brien, bequest booklabel dated 1899

Aldo Manuzio tipografo 133.2; Cataldi Palau 3; Censimento 16 CNCE 45472; Renouard 70/2; Texas 120; UCLA 132

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 Aldine edition, published shortly after the death of Aldus. The text had been prepared by Aldus and passed to Egnazio to finalise, as mentioned by Giovanni Battista Egnazio in his preface; he also laments that there is no one in the workshop capable of replacing Aldus.