Petrarca, Francesco

8vo (157 x 95mm.), text in italics, with blank leaves z4 and A8, eighteenth-century calf, later gilt coronet and the initial P, spine gilt in compartments with later black lettering-pieces ("B" and "V.933"), red speckled edges, title-page slightly soiled, extremities slightly rubbed

Bentinck family, dukes of Portland, of Welbeck Abbey, monogram on binding; William O'Brien, bequest booklabel dated 1899, and price 15s.

D.J. Shaw, "The Lyons counterfeit of Aldus's italic type: a new chronology", The Italian Book 1465-1800 (London, 1993), pp.117-133, no. 2; von Gültlingen, Balthazard I de Gabiano 5; Censimento 16 CNCE 57759; Renouard 308/17; UCLA 1101

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."

An early Lyon counterfeit of the Aldine edition of July 1501, a page-for-page reprint including the index but without the final quire (containing Aldus's letter to the reader and the colophon).

"No doubt this is the earlier of the two Lyons counterfeits of the Aldine described by Renouard"(note by O'Brien on flyleaf).