Emblemata V. Cl. Andreae Alciati: cu[m] imaginibus plerisque restitutis ad mentem auctoris, 1618

Title: Emblemata V. Cl. Andreae Alciati: cu[m] imaginibus plerisque restitutis ad mentem auctoris, 1618
Author: Andrea Alciati
Publisher: Patauij, Apud Pet. Paulum Tozzium
Condition: Good

An early 17th century edition of Alciati’s Emblemata, being the first and most widely disseminated emblem book, based upon the compilation of manuscripts and Latin Poems that Alciati had dedicated to his to his friend Conrad Peutinger, and circulated to his acquaintances. The emblem book was first printed in 1531, under the title Viri Clarissimi D. Andreae Alciati Iurisconsultiss. Mediol. Ad D. Chonradum Peutingerum Augustanum, Iurisconsultum Emblematum Liber. It was soon followed by a 1534 edition authorized by Alciati, under the title of Andrea Alciati's Little Book of Emblems. The word itself, "emblemata" is a plural of the Greek word "emblema", meaning a piece of inlay or mosaic, or an ornament.

Alciati’s Emblemata grew to include over 200 individual emblems and has since then appeared in hundreds of editions, and birthing thousands of imitations and successors in all the languages of Europe. Whether they were religious, romantic, or of a third sort in nature, emblem books became an integral part of European culture for the next two centuries. There are 211 of 211 emblems and illustrations throughout (197 emblems + 14 illustrations of trees).

One vellum bound volume in 12mo, (48)+283 [i.e. 383]+(1) pages

This volume is in good shape, with wear and old staining to the binding. There is staining and foxing throughout, with traces of old mold spores.