Marcus Cato, Marcus Varro, Lucius Columella, Palladius; Giovanni Giocondo, ed. LIBRI DE RE RUSTICA. Venice: In Aedibus Aldi, et Andreae, May 1514. First edition. Vellum with yapp edges, ink title on spine, all edges stained red. 4to; *8 2a-2b8 2c10 (with 2c10 blank) a-h8 i4 k-z8 A-Q8; ff. [34], 308. Italic and Roman type; text in Latin. With dedication to Pope Leo X, diagrams, and the Aldine Press dolphin and anchor device on title page, recto of 9th preliminary leaf, and colophon verso. Edit 37471; USTC 800443.

8 3/8 x 5 1/2 in.

From the Collection of Professor Roberto Severino, Washington, D.C.

Libri de re rustica was first published in 1472 and is a 'book about rural matter.' It combines the writings of four authors on the subject of agriculture.

The Aldine Press, started by Aldus Manutius in the late 15th century, is best known for publishing classics such as the works of Plato and other ancient Greek and Roman scholars and philosophers. Libri de re rustica was one of the last books published by the press while it was still run by Manutius who died in 1515.

General wear to vellum with light warping, corners rubbed, tiny loss at corner; areas of separation of vellum at joints and cracking at hinges, yet binding still very sturdy; previous owner bookplate on front paste-down endpaper; expected toning, very light foxing, occasional staining and marginalia; pages with some small chips, tears, and losses not impacting text, and mostly at endpapers; one small wormhole at head of many pages. A very good copy.