Euclid | Geometricorum elementorum libri xv, Paris, [1517], first edition of Euclid to be printed outside of Italy, extensive early modern marginalia

Euclid

Geometricorum elementorum libri xv. Paris: Henri Estienne, [1517]

The first edition of Euclid's Elements to be printed outside Italy.

"The volume is a typographical masterpiece, following the design of the Italian edition of Euclid in confining the text to a column on the left of the page. ... The lavish use of beautiful criblé initials in various size adds to the striking effect of the page" (Schreiber).

Lefevre d'Etaples's dedicatory letter is dated 7 January (postridie Epiphaniae) 1516, which is probably to be interpreted as 1517. This copy is extensively annotated in at least three early modern hands, one of which is very plausibly that of Fr. Antonius de Fabriano, whose ownership inscription is found on a2r.

Folio (302 x 210 mm). Numerous diagrams in the margins, criblé initials, extensive early marginalia; lacking terminal blank I10, a bit of dampstaining in the first few quires, three small corner and fore-edge tears, two neatly repaired, occasional stains. Modern boards; extremities rubbed.

REFERENCES

Adams E-982; Editions Parisiennes 1511–1520 no. 1344; Renouard, Estienne 18, no. 8; Schreiber, Estiennes 26; Thomas-Stanford 6; Riccardi 15164

PROVENANCE

"Fr. Ant[oniu]s de Fabriano" (early modern ownership inscription to a2r) — bookseller's ticket of C.E. Rappaport, Rome — Robert S. Dunham (gift from his mother in November 1950, pencil acquisition note on front pastedown; Sotheby's New York, 11 December 1993, lot 672)