Platina, Bartholomaeus

Chancery folio (282 x 187mm.), 240 leaves, a¹⁰ b-o⁸ p⁶ q-y⁸ z¹⁰ &⁸ aa-ee⁸ ff⁶, 40 lines, roman letter, 3- to 7-line initials supplied in red, red paraphs, old manuscript foliation (a few shaved), manuscript index on rear flyleaf to match foliation, some early annotations, seventeenth-century red goatskin gilt, spine gilt in compartments, red edges, first and last leaves laid down (not affecting text), some wormholes in final quire, binding slightly rubbed

John Thynne, baron Carteret de Hawnes (1772-1849), bookplate dated 1841; inherited by his nephew, Francis John Thynne, sale, London Puttick and Simpson, 15 April 1886; William O'Brien, bequest booklabel dated 1899

Goff P768; HC 13045; BMC v 235; BSB-Ink P-565; Bod-inc P-342; GW M33887; Grosjean & O'Connell 94

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 EDITION of Platina's influential history of the popes from the Apostle Peter to Paul II (died 1471). Platina used his history to show Paul II in an unfavourable light, as he had dismissed Platina from his post in the papal chancery; a reader in this copy has noted "Paulus pecuniae cupidissimus" in the margin.

Johannes de Colonia started his printing career as a financial backer to Vindelinus de Spira, later joining forces with Johannes Manthen in 1474 to continue the de Spira workshop. After Johannes de Colonia's death, Manthen went into partnership with Nicolas Jenson to form the largest publishing and bookselling enterprise in Venice.

O'Brien's pencil note: "Princeps edition. See Dibdin's account of it, Bib. Spenceriana... [£]2/18/-".