Statius (Publius Papinius) Opera, with commentaries by Lactantius, Mataratius, and Calderinus, collation: a–o⁸ p⁶ q⁴ A⁸ B C⁶ D–G⁸ H–N⁶, 208 ff. (of 210, lacking initial and final blanks (title from another edition bound in en lieu of the initial blank), 62-63 lines of commentary surrounding text, Roman type, some initials in red and blue with marginal flourish, others in red or blue, the blue often faded, initial-strokes in red, water-stained, some spotting or mostly light foxing, lightly browned, 18th century calf, richly gilt spine in compartments and with brown morocco label, head of spine chipped, joints splitting, but holding firm, corners little worn, some water-staining, rubbed and marked, folio (300 x 210mm.), Venice, Jacobus de Paganinis, 24 December, 1483 [but actually 1490 (see note)].

⁂ Scarce second edition of the complete works of this Latin poet, best known for his epic poems The Thebaid and the unfinished Achilleid. He was put in Purgatory by Dante in his Divine Comedy. This edition is a reprint ‘with considerable elegance’ (Moss pp.611-612) of Octavianus Scotus’ first collected edition. Our copy seemingly an early issue with the colophon erroneously bearing the 1483 date of the Scotus edition, later corrected.

Literature: BMC V, 456; Goff S-692; HC 14978; GW M43271; Bod-inc S-287; ISTC is00692000.