GIOVIO, Paolo (1483-1552) - Le vite de i dodici Visconti prencipi di Milano. Venice: Gabriel Giolito de' Ferrari, 1549. First Italian edition translated by Ludovico Domenichi the same year as the original in Latin printed in Paris by Estienne. An historical biographical work by Paolo Giovio, Bishop of Nocera and historian, on the Visconti family, who ruled Milan from 1277 with Ottone, to 1447 with the death without heirs of Filippo Maria. At the initial G there is one of the first representations of Bowling. 8vo (154 x 100mm). Title with printer's device representing a phoenix and two devils with two mottos, headpieces and historiated woodcut initials, folded table usually not present with the coat of arms of a man eaten by a snake supported by two lions (occasional foxing, slight dampstaining). Modern vellum in antique style, manuscript title on the spine; preserved in a modern box. Provenance: contemporary ownership inscription on title and some annotations.

Estimate € 200 - 300

Sold € 200