Aldus’ Catullus of 1502 in a Contemporary Renaissance Binding

Venice, Aldus Manutius, January 1502

AuthorCatullus, Tibullus, PropertiusPrinter / PublisherAldus ManutiusPlace of PublicationVeniceEdition1st Aldine editionFormatOctavoBindingRebacked dark brown calf with most of the original early 16th-century Italian boards laid down, elaborate blind-stamped foliate borders enclosing two compartments with interlocking geometric lozenges surrounded by leaf stamps. ‘Catullus’ in manuscript to bottom edges of text block.CollationLacking leaves d3–6, otherwise completeDate1502Dimensions160 × 95 mmConditionRepairs to initial leaves, occasionally affecting text (e.g. Aii in photos), previous owners’ signatures to front endpaper and title, occasional browning and foxing

Text in italics, first state with ‘Propetius’ for ‘Propertius’ on title page (correctly on verso of i8 at volume-end).

The celebrated first Aldine edition of Catullus, Tibullus, and Propertius, and only the third book produced by Aldus in the octavo format (after the Virgil and Horace of 1501), the famous liber portabilis that would come to define the output of the press. One of the first books printed in italics, and printed before the adoption of the famous anchor and dolphin device (found in productions from June 1502 onwards).

Aldus’ Catullus of 1502 in a Contemporary Renaissance Binding, view 2

Aldus’ Catullus of 1502 in a Contemporary Renaissance Binding, view 3

Aldus’ Catullus of 1502 in a Contemporary Renaissance Binding, view 4

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