Writers on Agriculture (Scriptores Rei Rusticae) (1482) - Page 5

Writers on Agriculture Scriptores Rei Rusticae

Reggio d'Emilia. Bruschius 1482.

Hain *14565. 302 folios, including 4 blanks.

A 6
a 8
b c 10
d 8
e-g 10
h 8
i 6
k l 10
m-z 8
& ↄ 4 8
aa 8
bb 12
cc dd 8
ee-hh 10

food & water?

162. EARLY PRINTING. Writers on Agriculture Scriptores Rei Rusticae (Marcus Cato, M. T. Varro, L. J. M. Columella, and Palladius Rutilius). Roman character with some Greek passages, 40 lines to the page; 302 unnumbered leaves (including the blanks 15, 86, 87, and 242) with signatures. Initials printed blue and red, and rubricated throughout by a contemporary hand. Folio, calf antique. 2 blank leaves (15 and 87) cut off, first leaf mounted, and second leaf mended, with a few words in facsimile, otherwise a large, sound, and desirable copy. Reggio (Emilia): Bartholomaeus Bruschus alias Bottonus. 7 June, 1482.

SECOND EDITION. One of the early books (the fourth in order of date) printed at Reggio, where the art of printing was introduced by Bartolomeo Brusco, or Bruschi, together with his brother Lorenzo, towards the end of 1480. From this press were issued only three books. At the end of the volume is a letter of M. B., corrector of the press, addressed to the printer; this letter is very interesting, as it conclusively proves that Bartolomeo Brusco was the first printer of Reggio.

Columella, the most important Roman writer on agriculture, flourished A.D. 60. His On Rural Matters de Re rustica treats of arable and pasture lands; culture of vines, olives, etc.; care of domestic animals, etc.; GARDENING, arboriculture, etc. Chapters are dedicated to HORSES, HUNTING, MEDICINE, etc., and two long ones deal with PONDS FOR FISHES AND FISHING. Numerous contemporary marginal notes. Hain-Copinger, 14565; Proctor, 7251.

An inferior copy sold in Sotheby's Sale, 1914 July, for £ 25, bought by Devitsh?, no. 549? Book prices current.
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