PROCOPIO DI CESAREA (490-565 d.C.) - Arcana Historia. Lyon: Brugiotti, 1623.   First edition. The publisher, Niccolò Alemanni, was the custodian of the Vatican Library, where he discovered a manuscript by Procopius of Caesarea which had remained secret until then. Although the work describes many of the events contained in the official history, there are also some passages that refer to Justinian and his wife, the Empress Theodora, describing in detail their behavior and scandals.   2 parts in one volume, folio (284 x 197mm). Title printed in red and black with large engraved device, text on two columns in Greek and Latin, initials, headpieces and woodcut initials (imprint lightly trimmed on title, occasional light dampstaining). Contemporary red morocco, gilt arms of Claude du Sauzay, Lord of Varennes (d. 1630) and advisor to the king, with the monogram CDS (rebacked preserving part of the original spine, some scuffing and other restorations, modern guards). Provenance: Claude du Sauzay, Lord of Varennes (d. 1630; binding).

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Sold € 400