Plinius Secundus,C. Lot n° 785

Naturae Historiarum libri XXXVII, e castigationibus Hermolai Barbari quam emendatissime editi. 2 Tle. in 1 vol. Hagenau, Th. Anselm for J.Koberger u. L.Atlantsee November 1518. fol. With 2 woodcut title borders by Hans Springinklee and printer's mark and numerous init. by. Hans Baldung Grien. 286 num. pp; 96 nn. Blind stamped gilt pigskin over wooden boards with brass corner and edge mounts, 2 clasps, front board with contemporary label. Label with title in manuscript. (Somewhat rubbed, cover with traces of a chain, cover slightly warped). VD16 P 3528. BM German Books 704. Benzing (Hagenau), Anshelm 33. Choulant. Handbook 190, Proctor 11695, Zinner 1096, Graesse V, 339, cf. Heitz/Barack LXII, 2 and Muther p. 233 (for the printer's mark). - First edition with the two-part "Index Plinianus" by Joannes Camers, which had previously appeared separately. The classic scientific encyclopedia of antiquity, containing all the knowledge of the ancient world in a total of 37 books. It includes mathematics, physics, geography, astronomy, medicine, zoology, anthropology, physiology, philosophy, history, agriculture, mineralogy, art and literature. The Natural History of Pliny with the text revised & corrected by the Venetian humanist Hermolaus Barbarus (1453/54-1493). Barbarus was known for his translation work on the writings of Aristotle; his highly praised edition of Pliny is considered the first text-critical edition of the classic, which appeared in numerous editions. Important humanistic edition with contributions by Theodoricus Kaner, Joachim Vadianus, Benedictus Chelidonius and Georgius Gemanius, among others. - Vord. Front endpaper renewed. A few leaves at the end of the register with a tiny worm mark at the fore-edge, some unobtrusive stains in the margins of the leaves. Main title with a two-line note of purchase in the upper white margin by Arnoldi von Usingen dated 1519 and an ownership entry by the Augustinian monastery in Erfurt. Arnoldi Bartholomäus von Usingen, (c. 1465-1532), philosopher and theologian, studied at the University of Erfurt from 1484, became a master student in 1491, taught philosophy for 30 years, and counted Luther among his students. Under Luther's influence, he entered the Augustinian order in 1512. He received a doctorate in theology in 1514, but did not stop teaching at the Faculty of Arts. Especially since 1522 in his capacity as cathedral preacher, but also in many of his writings, he was a staunch opponent of Luther, who tried several times in vain to win over his old teacher. A wide-margined, nice and well-preserved copy with interesting provenance in a contemporary former chain binding. - 2 parts in 1 volume. Contemporary blind stamped pigskin over wooden boards, with corner and edge brass furniture, 2 clasps and catches, front cover with contemporary vellum label with calligraphic manuscript title, set within a narrow brass frame (somewhat rubbed and soiled, rear cover with traces of fixings of a chain, rear cover slightly bowed). Front endpaper renewed, few leaves in the end of index with one tiny trace of worming in front edge, a few unobtrusive smudges in margins of leaves. Main title with a two-line purchase note in upper white margin by Arnoldi von Usingen dated 1519, as well as an ownership entry of the Augustinian cloister in Erfurt. Arnoldi Bartholomäus von Usingen, (c. 1465-1532), philosopher and theologian studied at the university of Erfurt from 1484, and became a master's student.