Plautus; F. Torresani, ed.. EX PLAUTI COMOEDIIS XX QUARUM CARMINA MAGNA EX PARTE IN MENSUM SUUM RESTITUTA SUNT. Venice: In Aedibus Aldi et Andreae Asulani (Hiers of Aldi), July 1522. First and only Aldine edition. Limp period parchment, faded ink manuscript title on spine. 4to; *6 **8 a-z8 A-M8 N4; ff. [14], 284. Italic type with Roman; text in Latin. With index, themes of each comedy, discussion of the author's life, and the comedies. With dolphin and anchor device of Alpine Press on title page and colophon verso. Adams P1487; USTC 849863; Edit16 37687.

8 x 5 1/2 in.

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

Titus Maccius Plautus (ca. 254-184 BCE) was a famous Roman playwright who modified ancient Greek plays in order to make them appropriate for and appealing to Romans of the Republic. According to Prof. Mark Damen (Utah State Univ.), Plautus "is the first known professional playwright in Western Civilization" and "the earliest Roman dramatist whose work survives whole."

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. While Manutius died in 1515, his press was continued by his heirs. This Aldine edition of Plautus's Comedies was edited by F. Asulani (Torresani) whose preface references the work of Aldus and Erasmus.

Vellum with expected wear and discoloration, light warping, (2) small wormholes in vellum at spine, small losses to back cover; losses, tears, and chips to endpapers; small dark stains on fore-edge; occasional writing, staining, and foxing, light toning, a few folded corners, but pages generally clean, crisp, and bright; previous owner's name on paste-down endpaper and dated "1871." A very good copy of this important book.