Petrarca (Francesco) Le Cose Volgari, first edition, first issue, collation: a-y⁸ z⁴ A⁸ (z⁴ & A⁸ blank), without the 4-leaf gathering at end containing an address by Aldus to the reader and errata (denoting first issue), title lightly toned and slightly wrinkled, generally clean and with good margins, later black morocco, gilt, by David, g.e., upper cover detached, lower joint a little rubbed, 8vo (160 x 90mm.), [Venice], [Aldus Manutius], [July, 1501].

⁂ The first edition of the first Italian book printed in italics. This copy in the rare first issue, without the 4-leaf gathering at the end, and complete with both blank leaves. This work in italics was preceded by the Aldine Virgil only four months earlier, following the appearance of a few words in italics in the letters of St. Catherine the previous year. This is an example of Aldus' push to print small-format books in a legible font which could be disseminated to a wider public of students and scholars. Whilst the second issue appears reasonably frequently at auction, this first issue rarely appears on the market.

Literature: Adams P787; Ahmanson-Murphy 43; Renouard 28:5; Mortimer Italian, 371 (2nd issue); EDIT 16 CNCE 36111.

Provenance: Giovanni Marchetti (bookplate with motto Constantia et Labore).