ANTONINUS FLORENTINUS, DE CENSURA ECCLESIASTICIS, VENICE, 1474, MODERN BROWN MOROCCO

Median 4to (210 x 157mm.) 135 leaves (of 136, without initial blank), [a-b10 c-k8 l6 m-q8 r6], double column, 40 lines, gothic type, two contemporary illuminated initials decorated with three thistles (leaf a2, 7 lines) and a gentian (leaf l6, 9 lines), initials in red (7-9 lines), red paragraphs, yellow initial-strokes, late fifteenth-century foliation "1-135" in light brown ink and catchwords at the end of quires in dark brown ink, contemporary book-block sewing (swapping conjoint leaves f2-f7 and f3-f6), modern brown morocco, gilt title on spine, occasional light staining or foxing, cover with few damp-stains

Goff A776

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."

This first edition of Antoninus Florentinus’ works on excommunication and marriage is the first surviving edition produced by Johannes de Colonia in association with the bookseller Johannes Manthen, an association that lasted from September 1474 to October 1480, and produced at least 81 editions. The text also includes two bulls by Pope Paul II ("Cum omnibus iudiciis", 11 May 1465, preceded by an introduction; "Etsi dominici gregis", 3 March 1469), one attributed to him but actually by Pope Eugenius IV (Bulla contra symoniacos, "Cum detestabile scelus", [23 November 1464]), Pius II’s Constitutio ("Auctoritate apostolica", 17 November 1461), and two other anonymous texts ("Ex processu annuali in curia. / [N]os ipsam hanc absolutionem nobis tantum et successoribus nostris"; "Item ex ipso processu. / [I]tem excommunicamus et anathematizamus omnes violatores ecclesiastice libertatis... [I]tem excommunicamus et anathematizamus omnes illos, qui in terris suis…").