ARISTOPHANES (c.450 - c.385 B.C.). Comoediae Novem [in Greek. With the Scholia. Edited by Marcus Musurus (c.1470-1517)]. Venice: Aldus Manutius, 15 July 1498.

ARISTOPHANES (c.450 - c.385 B.C.). Comoediae Novem [in Greek. With the Scholia. Edited by Marcus Musurus (c.1470-1517)]. Venice: Aldus Manutius, 15 July 1498.

Editio princeps of nine of Aristophanes' eleven extant comedies, the complete known corpus at the time of publication with the exception of a very corrupt manuscript of a tenth comedy, Lysistrata, of such imperfection that Aldus, in his preface, declared himself unable to use it. An important edition for two further reasons. Firstly, it remained, until the 19th century, the unique source for the text of the scholia, ancient commentaries fundamental to the understanding of Aristophanes. Secondly, its preliminary texts contain important ‘manifestos’ of Aldus Manutius’ humanism: in his dedicatory letter to Daniele Clario, professor of Greek and Latin at Ragusa, the publisher exalts the importance of Greek philosophy, medicine and mathematics, and decries the woeful inadequacy of corrupt Latin texts of Aristotle, Galen and Euclid. He relates that the humanist Theodore of Gaza, when asked what Greek author should be read by those wishing to learn Greek, answered ‘Only Aristophanes’. The editor was the Cretan scholar Marcus Musurus, a valued collaborator of Aldus, responsible among other things for the editing of the editio princeps of Plato’s works. HC *1656; BMC V, 559; GW, 2333; IGI 790; BSB-Ink A-673; Bod-inc A-383; CIBN A-503; Flodr, 18:1; Renouard, Alde, 16:3; Essling, 1163; Goff, A-958.

Super-chancery folio (296 x 197mm). 347 leaves (of 348, with blank \Kk\k8, but without last blank leaf T6). Woodcut floral and interlaced headpieces and initials, 3-line initial spaces with guide-letters (occasional spotting). 19th-century straight-grained red morocco by Bozerian Jeune, large gilt borders to sides, panelled spine richly gilt in compartment with double raised bands, gilt turn-ins, gilt edges (corners very slightly bumped, minor abrasions to sides). Provenance: faint traces of a faded early inscription on title.

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