ST JEROME.

Epistolae.

      Venice, Giovanni Rosso Vercellese, 1496. - Folio. (6) + 392 (misnumbered 390)ff. 62 lines. Roman letter. First large initial of each part hand-painted in red; numerous small initials hand-painted red or blue throughout first part. Contemporary Italian half calf with attractive rhombic pattern within blind-stamped animal border over wooden boards; neatly rebacked. Binding measures 330 x 225mm. St Jerome's Letters, greatly admired in the Middle Ages, are valuable for the history of the times. Luther, in his 'Table Talk' condemns them as dealing only with fasting, meats and virginity. A well printed edition with occasional contemporary manuscript marginal notes, some fine hand-painted initials in red and blue. Light traces of usage in blank corners of first leaves. Very light, isolated worming first and last leaves, a waterstain in blank margins of last quire. An attractive copy in an unusual contemporary binding. BMC V, 419. BMC Italian Books, p347. Goff H.175. Hain 8563. Proctor 5141. [Attributes: Hard Cover]