Title: Omnia Andreae Alciati Emblemata cum commentariis, quibus emblematum aperta origin mens auctoris explicatur, et obscura omnia dubiaque illustrator, adjecta ad calcem nota posteriores per Claud. Minoem, 1589
Author: Andrea Alciati; Claude Mignault
Publisher: Parisiis, Apud Ioannem Richriu
Condition: Good
A scarce late 16th 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 emblems and illustrations throughout (197 emblems + 14 illustrations of trees). Added are the notes of Alciati’s Emblemata by Claude Mignault.
USTC records 10 existing copies of this edition in libraries.
One volume in octavo, (40)+818+(22) pages
This volume is in good shape, with rubbing and wear to the binding, heavier to the spine with chipping at the end, and with split hinges at the ends. There is worming of varying levels throughout, as well as some staining.