Here we offer an extremely scarce oversized Italian-language 2-volume Roman Catholic history: Le Vite De' Pontefici; which translates to: Lives of the Pontiffs; written by Bartolomeo Platina and published by Girolamo Savioni in Venice, in 1730. This is a complete directory of the popes, published as a reaction to the death of later-beatified Pope Benedict XIII, from Christ through Benedict's successor, Clement XII. Each volume of this 2-volume set is bound in vellum and extensively illustrated and decorated with engravings of the popes.
Platina's innovative and influential history includes much on Roman history and pagan themes The work concludes with a vilification of the author's nemesis, Paul II, who had jailed him previously for his humanist views. Bartolomeo Platina (1421-1481) is also noted for the writing of a theoretical treatise on Italian gastronomy entitled De honesta voluptate et valetudine ("On honourable pleasure and health"), which has the distinction of being considered the first printed cookbook.
Minor shelfwear to board edges; spine edges are excellent (please see pics). Endpapers are cracked over contour of vellum foldover, but very secure. Antique period-inscribed bookplate inside each cover. Hinges are excellent. Binding is very tight and square. Some light moisture stains. Text and illustrations are very clean, bright, and crisp on very high-quality pulp. A very readable volume! 912 pages in all; each volume measures approximately 9.5 x 7-inches.
This very scarce history will make a wonderful centerpiece to your collection or a very thoughtful gift.
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