Medieval Notary Manuscripts & Law Books

RARE FIRST EDITION OF THIS TREATISE ON PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENTS AND DOWRY

DE FANUCCI, FANUCCIO. Tractatvs de lvcro dotis, in quo per interpretationem, seu commentarium in cap. XIX. lib. ij. Statutorum lucensium, sub rubr. De dote restituenda, soluto matrimonio per mortem mulieris liberis non extantibus, explicatur quicquid dubij iuris in materia de lucro dotis ex varia statutorum dispositione vbique locorum potest contingere. Lugduni (Lyon), apud haeredes Iacobi Iuntae, 1562 (colophon: Lugduni, excudebat Iacobus Faurus).

8vo (158 x 100), contemporary limp vellum with handwritten title of spine, traces of ancient ties, pp. 6, [58, 1 blank], 556, [2] (lacks the final blank).

Rare first edition of De Fanucci exhaustive treatise on prenuptial agreements that, indeed, is a large commentary on the 19th chapter of Lucca Statutes.

An important document of marriage contracts in Lucca area in the Renaissance.

Provenance: 17th century inscription Laurentii Ubaldi at title-page.

References: OCLC 15689243.

ONE OF THE MOST ANCIENT TREATISES ON COMMERCIAL PRACTICE
ALSO INVOLVING ETHICS APPLIED TO ECONOMY

De Leys, Leonard (Lessio, Leonardo). De iustitia et iure ceterisque virtutibus cardinalibus libri quatuor, ad 2.2. D. Thomae a quaest. 47. usque ad q. 171. Auctore Leonardo Lessio e Societate Iesu […]. Editio quinta, auctior et castigatior cum appendice de Monte Pietatis. Antuerpiae (Antwerp): ex officina Plantiniana, apud Balthasarem Moretum et Viduam Jo. Moreti et Jo. Mursium, 1621.

Folio (36 x 23 cm); full brown leather on wooden boards, with five raised bands spine, gilted title on a light brown label at spine, gilted decorations at spine and decorated blind tooling at boards, corner bosses (traces of missing clasps at the board-edges, traces of use, leather repairs); pp. XVI, 825, LXIX. Text in Latin, printed in two columns.
Engraved title-page signed: Pet. Paul. Rubenius inuent. [Rubens] and Cor. Galleus sculpsit. [Corneille Galle]. Printer's device on verso of last leaf.
Initials; tailpieces; printed marginal notes.
Nice full-page engraving, pasted at the front inside-cover, not referred to the work, representing Alessandro Magno (Alexander Magnus Aristoteli Magistro Malin scientia rerum optimarum excellere quam opulentia. A. Gellius).

One of the many editions (probably the tenth) of this theological work (first published in Leuwen in 1605), also containing a juridical value, being one of the most ancient treatise on ethics applied to economy: Lessius's considerations on the morality of economic operations had an enormous influence on thought and behaviour of many political and ecclesiastical authorities.

The work is preceded by the dedicace to Albert VII, Archduke of Austria, made in Louwein on 28 Aug., 1605), the preface and the explanations; the text is divided in four books, one for every cardinal virtue: De prudentia (Prudence), De iustitia et iure (Justice), De fortitudine (Fortitude) and De temperantia (Temperance). Then, the text is followed by the Appendix (Appendix ad dubitationem XXIII. cap. XX. lib. II. de monte pietatis occasio scriptionis, p. 809-825), the Approbatio and the Index.

The author, Leonard de Leys (Leonardo Lessio, 1554-1623), was a Flemish moral theologian from the Jesuit order, teacher of philosophy and theology at Douay and Leuwen, best known for his treatise De iustitia et iure ("On Justice and Law"), of 1605 that had more than 20 editions in the 17th century. It is probably the first in-depth moral theological approach to economic and financial questions.
Lessius challenged in an authoritative way the traditional economic doctrines, and was consulted by the merchants of Antwerp as well as church leaders, statesmen. His work contains interesting details about the various forms of superstition, devil cult, sorcery and magic. Even ritual blasphemies were practiced, carnal love acts were performed on holy places.

A COMPREHENSIVE LEGAL ENCYCLOPEDIA BY GIOVANNI BATTISTA DE LUCA, WITH THE FAMOUS THEATER OF TRUTH, AND OF JUSTICE IN CANONICAL AND CIVIL DISPUTES, TOGETHER WITH TREATIES ON INHERITANCE, PENSION AND SALARY OF CHURCHMEN

De Luca, Giovanni Battista.
[1.]: Jo. Baptistae De Luca Venusini, [...] Theatrum veritatis, et justitiae, sive Decisivi discursus per materias, seu titulos distincti. & ad veritatem editi in forensibus controversiis canonicis & civilibus, in quibus in urbe advocatus, pro una partium scripsit, vel consultus respondit. Cum annotationibus, [...]. Adjectis, insuper in hac novissima editione. Liber primus [-decimusquintus]. Repertorium seu index generalis rerum notabilium quae continentur in Theatro Veritatis & Iustitiae cardinalis de Luca, a Nicolao Falconio [...]. Venetiis: ex typographia Balleoniana, 1759.
[together with:]
[2.]: Jo. Baptistae De Luca Venusini, [...] Commentaria ad constitutionem sanctae mem. Innocentii XI. de statutariis successionibus; cum particulis statutorum [...]. Accedit de pensionibus ecclesiasticis [...] ecclesiasticas pensiones. Venetiis: ex typographia Balleoniana, 1759.
[together with:]
[3.]: Jo. Baptistae De Luca Venusini, [...] Tractatus de officiis venalibus vacabilibus Romanae curiae; cum juribus [...]. Accedit alter tractatus de locis montium non vacabilium Urbis. Cum nonnullis [...] optime adjectis. Venetiis: ex typographia Balleoniana, 1759.

[1.]: Folio (396x242 mm), half leather binding, marbled paper at boards, gilt title at spine; 16 books bound in 8 vols. [Liber I-XV + Repertorium]; pp. [20], 513, [1]; [16], 368; [16], 434, [2]; [16], 360; [12], 228; [16], 551, [1]; [16], 383, [1]; [12], 288; [12], 328; [20], 535, [1]; [12], 238, [2]; 16], 367, [1]; [12], 296; [16], 427, [1]; [8], 552; 598, [2].
Title-page (Liber primus) printed in red and black; the other are in black. Calcographic frontispiece at the first vol. with the representation of the sepulchral monument of the author. Large vignette at each title-page with an imperial crowned double-headed eagle in a richly decorated frame. Xylographic initials, head- and final-pieces. Text printed in double columns.

[2.]: Folio (396x242 mm), half leather binding, marbled paper at boards, gilt title at spine; pp. 223.
Title-page printed in black. Large vignette at title-page with an imperial crowned double-headed eagle in a richly decorated frame. Xylographic initials, head- and final-pieces. Text printed in double columns.

[3.]: Folio (396x242 mm), half leather binding, marbled paper at boards, gilt title at spine; pp. 308.
Title-page printed in black. Large vignette at title-page with an imperial crowned double-headed eagle in a richly decorated frame. Xylographic initials, head- and final-pieces. Text printed in double columns.

[1.]: Here the list of the titles of the 15 books and the index (Repertorium) composing the work Theatrum veritatis:

THE MOST IMPORTANT COMPREHENSIVE LEGAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ITS TIME

De Luca, Giovanni Battista.Jo. Baptistae De Luca Venusini, S.R.E. Presbyteri Cardinalis, Theatrum veritatis, et justitiae, sive, Decisivi discursus per materias, seu titulos distincti : & ad veritatem editi in forensibus controversiis canonicis & civilibus, in quibus in urbe advocatus, pro una partium scripsit, vel consultus respondit : cum annotationes, ac discursibus, qui anteà in supplementis extabant, necnon aliquibus Sacrae Rotae Romanae recentissimis decisionibus, & summorum pontificum constitutionibus ad materias facientibus, suis locis optimè adjectis..Venetiis : Ex typographia Balleoniana, 1734.

16 volumes bound in 6 volumes in-folio, contemporary half calf on paper boards, paper label and handwritten title at spine.

A comprehensive legal encyclopedia that became one of the most significant authorities of the late ius commune and was reprinted regularly up until the middle of the 18th century.

Giovanni Battista de Luca (1614–1683) was an Italian jurist and Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church.

References: OCLC 58468162.
For content of the volumes, see the previous lot.

THE DECISIONS OF THE ROMAN ROTA COLLECTED BY DE LUCA

De Luca, Giovanni Battista.Mantissa decisionum Sacrae Rotae Romanae.Venetiis : Ex typographia Balleoniana, 1734.

Folio, contemporary half calf on paper boards, paper label and handwritten title at spine.

One volume (complete in itself) of the Decisions of Roman Rota collected by De Luca, here published with his work De officiis venalibus.

References: IT\ICCU\SBL\0164323.

A PRECIOUS COLLECTION OF RENAISSANCE TREATISES ON COMMERCIAL LAW
INCLUDING THE MAIN TREATISE OF BALDUS' BROTHER
ON THE MANAGEMENT OF COMPANIES MADE BETWEEN TWO BROTHERS

ONLY ONE COPY IN USA

De’ Ubaldis, Pietro. Petri de Vbaldi Perusini iureconsulti clarissimi Tractatus doct. et insignes de duobus fratribus et aliis sociis. Quo nunc primum accesserunt eiusdem authoris commentarii in titu. de collectis atque de permutas. beneficior. Omnia et fideli opera castigata, summarijs & indice copioso locupletata. Venice: [al segno della Fontana] 1563. [at colophon:] Venetiis: Apud Cominum de Tridino, Montisferrati. 1563.

8vo, contemporary limp vellum, ff. 192, [12].

Precious collection of Renaissance treatises on commercial law, including Petrus de Ubaldi's work on companies management.

1. The main work is attributed to Pietro de Ubaldis, brother to the more renowned jurist Baldo to whom the authority of the work is likely to be ascribed. De duobus fratribus et aliis sociis («On two brothers and other partners») is a company law treatise dealing with the formation, management and closing down of companies especially made between two brothers but also among other partners.

2. The Commentarii in titulum de collectis constitutes an out-and-out treatise of fiscal and tax law based on the difference of taxation between citizens and foreign people, able and disabled people, clergy and laymen.

3. The collection is closed by some fiscal advices and by the Tractatus de permutatione beneficiorum, that concerns canon law and the goods reserved to clergymen.

Provenance: Interesting annotations by a contemporary hand.

References: Not in Adams. Cnce, Censimento, 41374. OCLC, 183164158 (only the copy of the Library of Congress).

SCARCE EDITION OF DELLA VALLE'S LEGAL ADVICES
NO COPIES IN WORLDWIDE PUBLIC LIBRARIES, NOT IN USA

DELLA VALLE, ROLANDO. Consiliorum, seu mauis responsorum Rolandi a Valle, iuris cum ciuilis, tum pontificii consultissimi ... Volumen primum (-quartum). Innumeris nunc recenter quibus antea passim scatebat erroribus ac mendis expurgatum. Venetiis, apud Damianum Zenarium, 1592.

Four parts in two volumes in-folio (360x240 mm), contemporary stiff vellum binding with handwritten title at spine, pp. [4], 306, [2]; 275, [1]; 307, [1]; [4], 267, [153].

Scarce edition of the of legal advices of Rolando dalla Valle, one of the most renowned law counselor in late 16th century.

Even if frequently reprinted, the entire four-parts set it’s very sought-after and hard to find on the antiquarian market.

Rolando della Valle was among the most known figure in the juridical environment of mid XVI century. He was a lawyer, Judge and General Commissioner for the Hebrew in Monferrato in 1537, Governor of Casale and was appointed President of the Senate of that city on May, 2nd, 1567 by Duke William I. His main work was this collection of Consilia; printed first in two volumes and then, in a complete edition of four volumes, it had a huge success and it was reprinted many times along the centuries.

References: DEZZA, E. Rolando della Valle (1500-1575). Politica, diritto, strategie familiari nell’esperienza di un giurista casalese del Cinquecento. In Monferrato, arte e Storia, IX ( 1997), pp. 23-43.

Reference: Out of Italy (7 copies), OCLC locates no copies worldwide.

TWO TREATISES ON CRIMINAL LAW: THE RULES OF EVIDENCE AND THE RAPE OF THE VIRGINS

DE MARSIGLI, IPPOLITO. Sole[m]nis [et] pene divina vtriusq[ue] iuris doctoris ac interp[re]tis profundissimi d[omi]ni Hippolyti de Marsilijs Bononien[sis]. Repetitio rubrice. C. de probationibus. : Cum additionibus per eunde[m] autore[m] nouiter in luce[m] sub hoc signo [pointing hand] ( ) editis. Una cum summariis [et] repertorio nouissime appositis.. Lugduni, per Jouannem David dit la mouche, 1529, die 28 Aprilis (Lyon, La Mouche, 28 April 1529).

BOUND WITH:

DE MARSILIIS, IPPOLITO. Sole[n]nia et pene diuina Co[m]mentaria ... domini Hippolyti de Marsilijs Bononie[n]sis super l. vnica C. de raptu virginu[m]. Vna cu[m] summarijs et repertorio nouissime editis. Ite[m] eiusde[m] dicti domini Hippolyti Repetitio. l. de vnoquoq[ue] ff. de re iudica. Lugduni, per Joannem David dit la mouche, 1529, die vero 11 Mensis Iunii (Lyon, La Mouche, 11 June 1529).

2 works in a 8vo volume, ancient paperboards, ff. 55, [1]; 66.
Woodcut title-pages printed in red and black, woodcut head-letters. Text in Gothic type.

Rare and remarkable collection two of important treaties dedicated to criminal matters.

1. The first work is a large commentary to the title De probationibus of Justinian’s Codex, with a thorough analysis of the rules of evidence and the powers of the judge related to their admission and evaluation.

2. The second work contains regards the criminal legislation related to the crimes of kidnapping and rape of the virgins.

These lecturae represent a testimony of scientific maturity and autonomy achieved by the criminal law in early Renaissance, now equipped with an apparatus of terms, rules and institutions distinct from civil law, elaborated in practice, revised by jurists in their works and now sufficiently structured to to be taught separately. The structure of the two works is strongly affected by this new approach; the matter is treated uniformly, combining profiles of substantive law and procedural law, and then enriched with the opinions of doctores and judicial practice.

Provenance: Not identified annotations by a near contemporary hand.

References: 1. OCLC locates 5 copies in worldwide public libraries (2 in USA, at University of California Berkeley Law Library and at Harvard Law School Library).
2. OCLC locates 4 copies in worldwide public libraries (1 in USA, at Harvard Law School Library).

THE JURIDICAL REQUIREMENTS TO GET ECCLESIASTIC BENEFICES
ONE COPY IN USA

Garcia, Nicolás. Nicolai Garcia Hispani, J.U. professoris [...] Tractatus de Beneficiis amplissimuset doctissimus, declarationibus cardinalium Sacrae Congregationis Concilii Tridentini, DecisionibusqueSacrae Rotae Romanae [...] Accedunt huic Novae Editioni, S. Rotae Romanae Decisiones RecentissimaeNumquam anteà lucem editae, Materiam De Beneficiis ab Authore pertractatam […] Tomus Secundus. Coloniae Allobrogum, Sumpt. Perachon & Cramer, 1735.

Folio (350x220 mm), full vellum binding, handwritten title at second sector of 5 raised bands spine, ff. [8], 400, [104, last blank], [12], 216, [20, last blank]. Xylographic printer device with Crowned Salamander surrounded by flames at title-page, woodcut head-letters and decorations at preliminary leaves, text on two columns.

Uncommon edition of Garcìa's treatise on ecclesiastic benefices: in this work the author lists the moral and juridical requirements to get a benefice, beneficium, the procedure to follow and the motivation to give or to withdraw one.

Annex to the text there is a collection of Decisiones or judgments related to benefices, for complexity of the matter that can be considered among the Canon Law and the Civil Law.

References: Not in Sapori that mentions other editions. ICCU, IT\ICCU\RLZE\032181 (only two copies in Italian public libraries). OCLC 84418392 locates only one copy in USA (Harvard)

AESCHINES' AND DEMOSTHENES' HARANGUES: PROSECUTION AND DEFENSE IN A FAMOUS TRIAL OF ANCIENT GREECE


DEMOSTHENES-AESCHINES. Due orationi, l'vna di Eschine contra di Tesifonte, l'altra di Demosthene à sua difesa. Di greco in volgare nuouamente tradotte per un gentilhuomo firentino [sic]. In Vinegia: [Venice: heirs of Aldo Manuzio], 1554.

8vo, attractive binding in 18th century water-colored wrappers, ff. 106, [2]. Text in Italian, translated from Greek language by the Florentine humanist Girolamo Ferro.
Aldine dolphin and anchor device on title-page and final leaf (woodcuts).
Capital spaces with guide letters.

First and only Aldine edition of the two harangues by Aeschines and Demosthes, the first one as Ctesiphon's prosecutor and the second as his defense attorney.
Demosthenes won the legal battle with Aeschines, although Aeschines' legal objections to the crowning were probably valid.

THE TRIAL:
Ctesiphon was an orator in Athens during the reign of Alexander the Great. He is best known for sparking this controversy that led to Demosthenes' speech «On the Crown» and Aeschines' speech «Against Ctesiphon».

In 336 BC, Alexander the Great's empire was spreading, and many in Athens were opposed to the ongoing wars. Among the most outspoken was the orator Demosthenes. In 336 BC, Ctesiphon proposed that Athens honor Demosthenes for services to the city by presenting him with a golden crown. This proposal became a political issue, and in 330 BC, Aeschines prosecuted Ctesiphon on charges of legal irregularities. In his most brilliant speech, On the Crown, Demosthenes effectively defended Ctesiphon and attacked vehemently those who backed Alexander the Great's empire. On legal irregularities Aeschines prosecuted Ctesiphon for having violated the law in three points:

1. For making false allegations in a state document.
2. For unlawfully conferring a crown to a state official (Demosthenes) who had not yet rendered a report of his term of office.
3. For unlawfully offering the crown at the Dionysia.

Demosthenes (384–322 BC), was a prominent Greek statesman and orator of ancient Athens. His orations constitute a significant expression of contemporary Athenian intellectual prowess and provide an insight into the politics and culture of ancient Greece during the 4th century BC. For a time, Demosthenes made his living as a professional speech-writer (logographer) and a lawyer, writing speeches for use in private legal suits.

He went on to devote his most productive years to opposing Macedon’s expansion. He idealized his city and strove throughout his life to restore Athens’ supremacy and motivate his compatriots against Philip II of Macedon. He sought to preserve his city’s freedom and to establish an alliance against Macedon, in an unsuccessful attempt to impede Philip’s plans to expand his influence southwards by conquering all the Greek states.

DEMOSTHENES TRANSLATED BY THE YOUNG ALDUS’ SON

DEMOSTHENES. Demosthenis Orationes Quatuor contra Philippum, A Paulo Manutio latinitate donatae. Venetiis, Apud Aldi Filios, 1551 [Venice: Sons of Aldus, 1551].

4to, 18th century stiff vellum with blavk label and gilt lettered title at spine, ff. [52].
Aldine anchor of Aldus’ heirs at title-page. Dedicatory letter to Jean Morvilliers.

Scarce second edition of this elegant and esteemed translation made by Paolo Manuzio of the four Demosthenes’ «Philippics», the Orations against Philip of Macedon who was beginning his conquest of the Greece.

In September 1549, Francesco Greco wrote to Paolo Manuzio that, reading this translation, he seemed «to hear Demosthenes speaking Latin».

The first oration (351-350 BC) centered on the need for successful resistance for financial reform of the theorical fund to prepare for war and for swift action to avoid defeat. The second (344-343 BC) was a vehement attack against Philip and his Athenian supporters, delivered in the wake of the unsatisfactory Peace of Philocrates, which left Philip’s increasing power largely unchecked. Nonetheless it errs on the side of caution, perhaps indicative of Demosthenes’ own fear of the King, before whom he is said to have fainted. The third (341), the best of Demosthenes’ political orations, contrasts the ancient spirit of Athens with her present degeneracy. Having risen by his oratory to become the most influential politician in Athens, Demosthenes was able to weaken the pro-Macedonian factions, formulating alliances with other small states. He demands resolute action against Philip, a burst of energy from the Athenian people and the immediate dispatch of force. The fourth is the subject of controversy, with Demosthenes' authorship called into doubt, although the sentiment is similar to the third, the style is different.

It has been suggested that the text is descended not from his carefully honed speeches, but from notes for a spot oration, hence its unusual lack of finesse. Described by Cicero as «the perfect orator» and extolled as lex orandi by Quintilian, Demosthenes has long been regarded as one of the great minds of the Classical era, and his works remain a benchmark of eloquence and erudition.

References: CNCE 16744. Renouard, 146, 6: «les exemplaires sont rares, ainsi que ceux de la réimpression de 1551». Lettere volgari, vol. III (Francesco Greco write to Paulus Manutius): «Ho letto le quattro Filippiche di Demosthene, che V. S. ha voltato, anzi ho udito Demosthene parlante in latino, & in che lingua? in quella medesima certo che Cicerone, padre della Romana eloquenza, lo fece già rispondere ad Eschine, suo avversario [...]».BM STC Italian, 213. Dibdin, 486: «This translation is elegant and esteemed". Brunet II, 592: «Traduction estimée».

FIRST AND ONLY ALDINE EDITION OF DEMOSTHENES’ ORATION IN THE ORIGINAL GREEK TEXT

DEMOSTHENES. Demosthenis Orationum pars prima: in qua deliberativae sexdecim eius orationes, una cum exordiis deliberativis, & duae demonstrativae continentur. Corrigente Paulo Manutio, Aldi Filio. Venetiis, 1554.
[TOGETHER WITH:]
DEMOSTHENES. Demosthenis Orationum pars secunda: in qua iudiciales novem eius publicae orationes continentur. Corrigente Paulo Manutio, Aldi Filio. Venetiis, 1554.
[TOGETHER WITH:]
DEMOSTHENES. Demosthenis Orationum pars tertia: quae iudiciales tres, et triginta privatas eius continet orationes. Corrigente Paulo Manutio, Aldi Filio. Venetiis, 1554.

3 volumes in-8vo, 19th century half calf with labels and gilt-lettered titles and decorations (the first volume is taller than the others); v. 1, [8], 122, [2] leaves; v. 2, 248, [2] leaves; v. 3, [2], 243 [i.e. 242], [2] leaves.
Aldine anchor at each title page; woodcut headletters. Entirely printed in Greek.

Very rare first and only Aldine edition of the original Greek text of Demosthenes Orations.

Described by Cicero as «the perfect orator» and extolled as lex orandi by Quintilian, Demosthenes has long been regarded as one of the great minds of the Classical era, and his works remain a benchmark of eloquence and erudition.

Provenance: 17th century inscription Bibliothec(a)e Florentin(a)e Scholarum Piarum

References: Renouard, 160.10: «fort rare». CNCE, 16746. OCLC, 6737363.

DEMOSTHENES’ HARANGUES: THE ACME OF THE ART OF PERSUASION
THE FRANCESCO GUASTAVILLANI COPY

ONLY TWO COPIES IN USA

DEMOSTHENES. Le Filippiche di Demostene illustrate con Osservazioni, e Prefazione Istorica a S. E. il signor Francesco Grimani senatore amplissimo [...]. In Venezia, appresso Pietro Bassaglia, MDCCXLIV [Venice: Pietro Bassaglia, 1744].

A thick volume in-8vo (155x90 mm), contemporary stiff vellum, six raised bands with handwritten title at spine, sprinkled red edges pp. [32], 140, 485, [1, blank].

TWO ENGRAVINGS IN RED, THE FIRST ONE AT FRONTISPIECE, REPRESENTING THE COATS OF ARMS OF THE NOBLE VENETIAN FAMILY GRIMANI, AND THE OTHER ONE AT TITLE-PAGE WITH THE PRINTER’S DEVICE.

FINE VENETIAN EDITION OF DEMOSTHENES HARANGUES AGAINST PHILIP II OF MACEDON, THE ACME OF ANCIENT ART OF PERSUASION AND A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION FOR THE AUTHORS OF THE «FEDERALIST PAPERS» OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION.

This edition has a long historical preface about the History of Macedon.

DEMOSTHENES (384–322 BC), was a prominent Greek statesman and orator of ancient Athens. His orations constitute a significant expression of contemporary Athenian intellectual prowess and provide an insight into the politics and culture of ancient Greece during the 4th century BC.. He delivered his first judicial speeches at the age of 20, in which he argued effectively to gain from his guardians what was left of his inheritance. For a time, Demosthenes made his living as a professional speech-writer (logographer) and a lawyer, writing speeches for use in private legal suits.

He went on to devote his most productive years to opposing Macedon’s expansion. He idealized his city and strove throughout his life to restore Athens’ supremacy and motivate his compatriots against Philip II of Macedon. He sought to preserve his city’s freedom and to establish an alliance against Macedon, in an unsuccessful attempt to impede Philip’s plans to expand his influence southwards by conquering all the Greek states. After Philip’s death, Demosthenes played a leading part in his city’s uprising against the new King of Macedon, Alexander the Great. However, his efforts failed and the revolt was met with a harsh Macedonian reaction. To prevent a similar revolt against his own rule, Alexander’s successor in this region, Antipater, sent his men to track Demosthenes down. Demosthenes took his own life, in order to avoid being arrested by Archias, Antipater’s confidant.

The Alexandrian Canon compiled by Aristophanes of Byzantium and Aristarchus of Samothrace recognized Demosthenes as one of the ten greatest Attic orators and logographers. According to Longinus, Demosthenes «perfected to the utmost the tone of lofty speech, living passions, copiousness, readiness, speed». Cicero acclaimed him as «the perfect orator» who lacked nothing, and Quintilian extolled him as lex orandi («the standard of oratory») and that inter omnes unus excellat («he stands alone among all the orators»).

THE GIUNTINE EDITION OF ORIANO'S STANDARD PRAXIS OF LAW PROCEDURE

Oriano, Lanfrancus (De). Practica iudiciaria Lanfranci De Oriano, cum Benedicti Vadii, et Celsi Hugonis annotationibus. A Iacobo Boniour plurimis axiomatibus, in schematibus proximè locupletata. Ad Cardin. Lotharingum Carolum Lotharing. Lugduni, apud Haeredes Iacobi Iuntae, 1559.

8vo (150x103 mm), contemporary limp vellum (spine partly defective), ff. 179, [9].

Scarce and fundamental Renaissance treatise on legal procedure.

Provenance: Numerous contemporary underlinings and maniculae(«small hands»).

References: Sapori 1617. OCLC 69006914 locates in USA only the copy at Harvard Law library.

RARE GIUNTINE EDITION OF DI CASTRO’S COUNSELS
WITH A BINDING FROM A MEDIEVAL MANUSCRIPT

ONLY A COPY IN WORLDWIDE PUBLIC LIBRARIES

DI CASTRO, PAOLO. Consiliorvm sive responsorvm [...] cvivs haec omnivm postrema editio habet tvm consuetas multorum adnotationes, & praesertim Nicolai Michaelis [...] emendata [...].Venice, Giunti, 1617.

3 parts bound in 2 volumes in-folio (360x226), contemporary stiff vellum with a part from an ancient early manuscript, calligraphic title on four raised bands spines, ff. [2], 242, [18]; 222, [12]; 42, [8].
Printer’s woodcut device at titlepages.

VERY RARE GIUNTINE EDITION, REPRINT OF THE 1580 EDITION, OF PAOLO DI CASTRO’S «COUNSELS», ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT COLLECTION OF LEGAL ADVICES OF THE MIDDLE AGES.

The binding is partly composed with a vellum from a Medieval manuscript written in a fine semigothic handwriting.

Paolo di Castro (1394-1441), jurist of the "school of commentators", scholar of Baldo degli Ubaldi, studied and taught at Avignon; then he was teacher of civil law at Florence, Siena, Bologna and Padova; he was also mayor at Viterbo. After Bartolo and Baldo, he was the most influent medieval lawyer of his time.

References: IT\ICCU\VIAE\017590 (only 2 copies). OPAC locates only two copies in Italy of this edition; out of Italy, OCLC 80356333 locates only a copy in worldwide public libraries at Harvard Law Library.

DONEAU'S COMMENTARY ON JUSTINIAN'S CORPUS JURIS CIVILIS

Doneau, Hugues. Opera Omnia Tomus Nonus. Et Commentariorum in codicem Iustiniani Volumen Tertium. Accedunt Castigationes Teologicae. Lucae (Lucca), Typis Joannis Riccomini, 1766.

Folio (374x253 mm), 19th century colored paper, ff. [4, pages at verso are blanks], VI, columns 1560.
Xylographic endpieces, text on two columns, romanic and italic types.

Ninth volume (complete in itself) of Hugues Doneau’s Opera Omnia, containing his commentary to the Justinian’s Corpus Iuris Civilis and treatises on fundamental issues about Commercial Law and Inheritance Law. Among the other we find the following items: writings containing Last Wills, Interdiction, Heirs, Distraint, Mortgages, Bequests.

Hugues Doneau (1527-1591, latinized name Hugonis Donellus and italianised Ugo Donello) was a French jurist belonging to the Scuola Culta. He was follower of Andrea Alciato, trying to apply his humanistic methods to the law enviroment.

The Scuola Culta is a social movement of lawyers of the late Middle Age that worked toghether for the renewal of current laws, with the objective to create a new set of laws, philologically coherent with its Justinian roots.

References: ICCU, IT\ICCU\RLZE\025708. OCLC, 832171090.

BUTRIO'S COMMENTARY ON POPE GREGORY IX'S DECRETALS

De Butrio, Antonio.Lectura Super tertio et quarto decretalium.Lyon: Luxembourg de Gabiano, Hugues de La Porte and Jean Crespin, 1532.

Two volumes (out of five) bound together in folio (368 x 255), contemporary stiff vellum with handwritten title at raised bands spine, ff. 208, 63.

Elaborate xylographic title-pages in red and black, woodcut head-letters.
Text on two columns. Gothic type.

Fine early Lyon edition of Butrio's commentary on third and fourth book of Decretals.

The Decretales, or Decretals of Pope Gregory IX are an important source of medieval canon law, collected by the dominican St. Raymond of Peñafort under the order of the same Gregory IX; they are composed of five books, each one divided in several tituli (titles).

References: OCLC 603740010.

A SOURCE FOR THE STUDY OF MEDIEVAL CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PROCESSES

ONLY TWO COPIES IN WORLDWIDE LIBRARIES, NONE IN USA

Durand, Guillaume. Speculi Gulielmi Durandi Venetiis, [Printer Device with Fountain], 1566.

Two volumes in 4to (204x150 mm), contemporary full vellum with sepia ink handwritten titles at spine, ff. [84], pp. 534, [2] for the first volume; pp. 797, [3] for the third volume. Text in Latin, two columns. Some xylographic decorations and headletters.

First and third volumes (out of four) of a very scarce edition of this remarkable medieval treatise that deals with all the issues related to civil and criminal process.

Guillaume Durand (1237-1296) was a French jurist and ecclesiastical. His career was brilliant in both the areas: at first he was Canon Law teacher in Modena, then auditor in Rome, Bishop (from 1290) in Mende, in Lozèr, and Archbishop in Ravenna (from 1295), as well as rector in Romagna and Marche. He is remembered for the present work, that led him to be condemned by Dante in Epistole (Ep. XI, 16) as an exponent of the formalist doctrine, and for a treatise on the symbology of ecclesiastical architecture and liturgical celebrations (Rationale divinorum officiorum, ca. 1280).

References: Not in Fontana, that doesn’t mention any Venetian edition of Speculum. Edit16, CNCE 17903. NO COPIES IN USA. Out of Italy, OCLC locates only two copies worldwide (Canada and France).

FOUR WORKS ON POLITICAL ECONOMY WRITTEN BY FAMOUS ECONOMISTS AND STATESMEN

[1.]: Minghetti, Marco. Des rapports de l'economie publique avec la morale et le droit par M. Minghetti; traduit par M. Saint-German Leduc; precede d'un introduction par M. H. Passy. Paris: Guillaumin, 1863.
[together with:]
[2.]: Minghetti, Marco. Della economia pubblica e delle sue attinenze colla morale e col diritto: libri cinque. 2. ed., riveduta dall'autore. Firenze: Succ. Le Monnier, 1868.
[together with:]
[3.]: Lampertico, Fedele. Economia dei popoli e degli stati. Introduzione. Milano: Fratelli Treves, Editori, 1874.
[together with:]
[4.]: Valenti, Ghino. Principi di scienza economica. Introduzione allo studio dell'economia politica, i principii dell' economia individuale, i principii dell' economia sociale. Firenze: G. Barbera, Editore, 1906.

[1.]: 8vo (180x106 mm), half percalline cloth binding, with marbled paper, blue sprinkled edges; pp. XXXII, 560. Work belonging to the collection Bibliothèque des sciences morales et politiques.

[2.]: 176x112 mm, half leather binding; pp. VIII, 509.

[3.]: 8vo (180x116 mm), half cloth binding and marbled paper at boards, title at spine; pp. XXI, 341. Editorial device at title-page with motto: laboremus.

[4.]: 8vo (165x120 mm), editorial blue cloth binding; pp. XXVIII, 521, [1 b.]. Editorial device at title-page (a butterfly that comes near to a rose, with the motto: non bramo altr'esca).
The work belongs to the collection: Manuali Barbera di scienze giuridiche sociali e politiche. Serie teorica. 8.1.

Marco Minghetti (1818-1886) was an Italian economist and statesman, Minister of the Interior, then Minister of Finance, Prime Minister in 1863 and, finally, Minister of Agriculture.

Fedele Lampertico (1833-1906), economist, writer, senator, jurist, statistician, was also interested in Venetian history.

Ghino Valenti (1852-1920), economist, university professor, was interested in agricultural economy, problems of customs, Director of Agricultural Statistics, Minister of Agriculture, Secretary of the "Society of Italian farmers."

Provenance: Private library of a Verona noble family, whose roots are in Mantua and in which there were distinguished lawyers and jurists.

References:
[1.]: IT\ICCU\LO1\0036479 (8 copies). OCLC, 30076526.
[2.]: IT\ICCU\NAP\0116066. OCLC, 187189722 (one copy in Sweden).
[3.]: IT\ICCU\RAV\0239622. OCLC, 249692603 (one copy in Germany), 872259159 (one copy in Denmark).
[4.]: IT\ICCU\NAP\0117147. OCLC, 860492055

A THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL TREATISE ON POLITICAL ECONOMY BY GEROLAMO BOCCARDO

Boccardo, Gerolamo. Trattato teorico-pratico di economia politica del Cav. Prof. Avv. Gerolamo Boccardo. Seconda edizione riveduta e considerevolmente ampliata dall'Autore. Vol. Primo [-Terzo]. Torino: Sebastiano Franco e Figli e compagnia, 1859.

8vo (170x110 mm), half leather binding, with marbled paper at boards, gilt title at spine; 3 vols.; pp. 312; 304; 280.
The volumes have the following different titles: Vol. Primo: Economia teoretica. Vol. Secondo: Economia pratica. Vol. Terzo: Economia pratica.

Gerolamo Boccardo (Genova, 1829-1904) was one of the leading Italian economists of the nineteenth century. Teacher at the University of Genova and Senator, wrote extensively, spreading in Italy the theories of John Stuart Mill.

Provenance: Private library of a Verona noble family, whose roots are in Mantua and in which there were distinguished lawyers and jurists.

References: IT\ICCU\RAV\0335857. OCLC, 33256238 (one copy in USA at the Syracuse University, and one copy in Japan at the Aoyama Gakuin University Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo).

TWO WORKS ON RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WORK AND LEISURE, THE EFFECTS OF BOTH IN THE ECONOMY OF VARIOUS ITALIAN REGIONS AND FOREIGN COUNTRIES, WRITTEN BY FAMOUS ECONOMISTS

[1.]: Lampertico, Fedele. Economia dei popoli e degli stati. Il lavoro. Milano: Fratelli Treves, 1875.
[together with:]
[2.]: Lozzi, Carlo. Dell'ozio in Italia: libri quattro di Carlo Lozzi. Primo [Secondo-] volume. Torino; Napoli: Unione Tipografico-Editrice, 1870-1871

[1.]: 8vo (180x116 mm), half cloth binding and marbled paper at boards, title at spine; pp. XII, 400. Editorial device at title-page with motto: laboremus.
[2.]: 8vo (180x108 mm), half percalline cloth binding and marbled paper at boards, title at spine, blue sprinkled edges; 2 vols.; pp. 434; 428. Work belonging to the collection: "Biblioteca educativa per il popolo italiano".

Lampertico, Fedele (1833-1906), economist, writer, senator, jurist, statistician, was also interested in Venetian history.

Carlo Lozzi (1829 - 1915) was an Italian jurist and scholar.

Provenance: Private library of a Verona noble family, whose roots are in Mantua and in which there were distinguished lawyers and jurists.

References:
[1.]: IT\ICCU\RAV\0239625. OCLC, 886144540.
[2.]: IT\ICCU\BIA\0010383. OCLC, 457680399 (1 copy in France), 645385224 (1 copy in Germany).

THE MEDITATIONS ON POLITICAL ECONOMY BY PIETRO VERRI, WITH ORIGINAL THEORIES ON TAXATION, ON INTERNAL FREE TRADE AND FREE EXPORT OF CORN

Verri, Pietro. Meditazioni sull'economia politica di Pietro Verri aggiuntevi le monografie di Gian Rinaldo Carli sul censimento dello Stato di Milano sui bilanci economici delle Nazioni sul libero commercio dei grani. Volume unico. Torino: Tipografia Economica, 1852.

8vo (178x116 mm), half leather binding with orange striped paper at boards, gilt title and decorations at spine; pp. 289.
Monographs by Gian Rinaldo Carli published in this volume:
Il censimento di Milano.
Breve ragionamento sopra i bilanci economici delle nazioni.
Del libero commercio de' grani.
Sull'impiego del danaro.
Saggio politico ed economico sopra la Toscana, fatto nell'anno 1737.


Pietro Verri (1728-1797) was an Italian philosopher, economist, historian and writer. He was author of political writings, historical, social, literary and satirical, and translated the plays of Destouches. As a politician, he covered also various government positions.

Gian Rinaldo Carli (1720-1795) was an Italian writer, economist, historian and also a numismatist.

Provenance: Private library of a Verona noble family, whose roots are in Mantua and in which there were distinguished lawyers and jurists.

References: IT\ICCU\MIL\0261748. OCLC, 875187395.

FIRST EDITION OF THIS UNCOMMON TREATISE ABOUT THE INTERDICT

Ercolani, Francesco. Tractatus Francisci Herculani Perusini [...] de cautione de non offendendo. Venetiis [Venezia]: apud Io. Andream Valuassorem cognomine Guadagninum [Valvassore], 1569.

8vo, 148x100 mm, original soft vellum binding, hanwritten title at spine, calligraphed title at lower edge, remains of ties; [36], 187, [1] leaves. Editorial woodcut device at title-page (two hands hold a stick on which a snake and branches of ivy are wrapped; motto: In utrunque).

Ercolani 's treatise addresses the Roman law of interdict, a category of orders or prohibitions issued by a magistrate and addressed to a Particular person to give immediate protection to a threatened interest of a complainer. They were also used to protect public interests, such as waterways.

References: IT\ICCU\RLZE\018246. OCLC, 78550653 (one copy in USA), 22402237 (one copy in USA and one copy in Japan), 491510214 (one copy in France) and 246135852 (five copies in Germany).

ENLARGED EDITION OF FACHINEI'S COLLECTION OF CONTROVERSIES AND LITIGATIONS

Fachinei, Andrea. Andreae Fachinei ... Controversiarum iuris libris decem [-tredecim] Quibus omnes fere quaestiones praecipuae; ut sunt, judiciales, contractuum, ultimarum voluntatum, feudales, criminales, & aliae miscellaneae, mira brevitate, & perspicuitate discutiuntur. Nunc secundo in Italia excusi. Cum additionibus & emendationibus; adiecto libro decimo nunquam antehac edito.Venetiis, Apud Modestum Iuntam de Modestis, 1619-1620.

Folio, contemporary stiff vellum (a light tear at spine), 1372, 329 columns.
Title-page in red and black.

Second edition of Fachinei Controversiae on various topics: contracts, testaments, feudal and criminal law, with the addition for the first time of a tenth book.

Provenance: Near contemporary inscription Ex libris doctoris Cesaris de Malfattis at title-page.

References: OCLC 2918198.