VIGERIUS, M. Decachordum Christianum. (Fano, G. Soncino, 1507). (8), ccxlvi, (16) lvs. (Collation: aa8 a10 b-z8 &8 A10 B-E8 F10 AA-BB8,). W. author's coat-of-arms on title within woodcut border signed by F.V., 10 full-page cuts, that of the Nativity signed "L" and the Pentecost signed "F.V.", within one of two repeated woodcut borders, 33 smaller cuts (from metal, criblé style?) from 27 blocks illustrating the life of Christ, initial spaces with guide-letters. Fol. 18th c. full green cf. over wooden boards, richly blind tooled, a.e.g. (Joints split (front side almost loose), spine ends chipped, spine discold., tiny rep. in lower margin ti., small paper flaw in lower margin last leaf, last 9 lvs. faintly stained, else a clean copy with ample margins).
First edition of what is considered to be the finest book from the press of Soncino, the first printer at Fano. Vigerius joined the Franciscan order while his great uncle, the future Pope Sixtus IV, was general of the order, and it was to Sixtus IV that he owed his advancement, being made bishop of Senigallia in 1476, governor of Castel Sant'Angelo, and a cardinal in 1505. Vigerius returned to his studies in 1506, producing the Decachordum, which he dedicated to his cousin Pope Julius II. - Adams V-746; EDIT 16 CNCE 32811.€ 3200
result € 5000
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