Sammelband of Roman imprints.- Vipera (Giovanni Mercurio) De divino et vero numineapologeticon, collation: a-b⁴ c⁶ a-d⁴ a-b⁴ c⁶ a-c⁴ a-b⁴ c⁶ a-f⁴, 6 parts, each with separate signature and title within fine woodcut border, [Rome], n.p., [1515]; bound with De disciplinarum virtutumque Laudibus opusculum, collation: A-T⁴, splendid woodcut title border from the celebrated Tuppo Aesop (Naples, 1485), representing one of the triumphs of Hercules, [Rome, Etienne Guilleret, 14 September 1515]; bound with Orationes, collation: A-H⁴, [Rome, Etienne Guilleret & Ercole Nani, 30 September 1514]; bound with Oratio [de justiciae laudibus], 4 leaves, title within a beautiful portico, on white ground, two rounded pillars at sides and long tassels hanging down from a flat-topped entablature, [Rome, Johannes Beplin, c. 1513], together 4 works in 1, ruled in red throughout, near contemporary brown calf of probably Spanish workmanship, on sides the gilt arms with the Roman figures "XVI" and the initials "CJ", slightly rubbed and rebacked, 4to (198 x 130mm.)

⁂ Rare collection of works by Vipera of Benevento, a learned man who was for many years auditor at the Papal Court. He was slain by a plundering soldier in the infamous Sack of Rome in 1527.

Literature: Adams V-843 and 847 (works 2 and 4); Isaacs 12088 and 12159 (works 3 and 4); Mortimer Italian 542 (second work); Sander 7629, 7631, and 7635 (works 1, 2 and 4).

Provenance: early illegible signature on upper margin of first title, early manuscript index on front flyleaf of the volume; from the Sunderland Library (sale, 1 December 1881, item 13036); Charles Butler (bookplate); acquired from Lathrop C. Harper, 1973; Arthur & Charlotte Vershbow (bookplate).