Title: Polyhistor, sive De Mirabilibus Mundi, sive Collectanea Rerum Memorabilium, 1474-1475. Wonders of the World, with An Illuminated Opening, and in Early Paper Wraps
Author: Solinus Gaius Julius
Publisher: Rome, Johannes Schurener de Bopardia
Condition: Good
A late 15th century edition of Solinus’ Polyhistor, also known as De mirabilibus Mundi, or the Wonders of the World, being a chorographic account of many of the wonders of the ancient world, largely adapted from Pliny’s Natural History and Mela’s De Situ Orbis. Numerous ancient wonders of the world are discussed, such as the Great Pyramid, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, and the Lighthouse of Alexandria and incorporates additional information regarding geological features, flora, fauna, and customs. There is an inherent focus on the myths of the ancient world, with locations noted such as the Gorgon Islands, where Solinus purports that monsters such as the Manticore among others continue to exist.
The work has clearly held much influence onto later authors, as writers such as Saint Augustine, Isidore, Bede have cited it, and many 9th century and later manuscripts have survived.
This work has been rubricated throughout, with an opening illuminated Lombard initial and trailing flourish, additional red and blue initials with occasional flourishes.
The volume has been rebound in early Italian wraps.
Leaf b1 is lacking, supplied with a tipped in photocopy.
One paper wrap bound volume in octavo, 119 of 120 leaves
This volume is in good shape, with some wear to the binding, and the front hinge broken, the text block detached from the front. Several leaves are loose. There is a small tear to the center of the first leaf, and a small hole to the penultimate leaf, with minor loss. The final leaf has been heavily restored with some text loss supplemented by an early hand.