Malta. FONTANUS (Jacob). De Bello Rhodio, libri... Lot 12

[Malta]. FONTANUS (Jacob). De Bello Rhodio, libri tres, Clementi VII Pont. Max. dedicati Haganoae (Haguenau), apud Ioannem Secerium, Mense Augusto, 1527. In-4° of 56 unnumbered leaves, modern bradel vellum, plates decorated with a Maltese cross. Relation of the famous and dramatic siege of Rhodes in 1522, defended by the knights of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem, installed on the island since 1309. Against the 100,000 men and 300 sails brought by Soliman, the Grand Master could only oppose 600 knights and 4,500 soldiers. The siege lasted 5 months, but, overwhelmed by the number of attackers, the knights signed the capitulation and left the island. Second edition prefaced by Philippe Melanchton (the original edition appeared in Rome in 1524). The title is set in a woodcut frame and the last leaf bears the printer's mark. Unfortunately, the volume has numerous wormholes with loss of some letters (Adams F-719- Hellwald p. 51 - USTC, 629057). Provenance: Bibliotheca Hierosolymitana nobilis equitis Domini Chauleti (bookplate).