Lot 532
  • 532

PORTA, DE FURTIVIS LITERARUM NOTIS VULGO, 1591

Estimate
1,200 - 1,800 GBP
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Description

  • De furtivis literarum notis vulgo. De ziferis libri iiii. London: John Wolfe, 1591
4to (193 x 140mm.), numerous woodcut diagrams, tables and cipher specimens, including three full-page woodcuts and a separate leaf of volvelles at end to accompany them, near contemporary vellum, modern spine label, minor spotting and dampstaining, vellum slightly soiled

Provenance

bought from Graham Weiner, London, 1989

Literature

Tomash & Williams P101; ESTC S101179; STC 20118; Tomita 195

Condition

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, 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."

Catalogue Note

"This treatise ranks as one of the earliest and most important works on cryptography after Johann Trithemius’ Polygraphie. It was first published in Naples in 1563 as De furtivis leteratum [sic, i.e. literarum] notis. According to David Kahn .., the work was later pirated by the Englishman John Wolfe, who in 1591 issued two versions at the same time, one falsely imprinted as Naples, 1563, and the other correctly identified as London, 1591. Both issues were unauthorized and circumvented the rights of the author and the regulations of the Stationers’ Company" (Tomash & Williams).