Bonifacius VIII's Liber sextus Decretalium

Bonifacius VIII's Liber sextus Decretalium
Andreas Torresanus, Bartholomaeus de Blavis and Mapheus de Paterbonis, 1482
BONIFACIUS VIII, Pope (formerly Benedetto Gaetano, c.1235-1303). Liber sextus Decretalium. With commentary of Johannes Andreae. –ANDREAE, Johannes (c. 1270-1348). Super arboribus consanguinitatis et affinitatis. Venice: Andreas Torresanus de Asula, Bartholomaeus de Blavis de Alexandria, and Mapheus de Paterbonis, 26th September 1482.

An essential work of canon law, with illuminated portrait initial. Most of the gothic types used by Torresanus during the first decade of his activity, including the founts used here, were acquired from the Jenson/Colonia firm, for whom he had printed a few editions in 1481. H 3604*; GW 4871; BSB-Ink B-715; Bod-inc B-473; IGI 1972; Goff B-995; ISTC ib00995000.

Super-median quarto (243 x 175mm). 146 leaves. Printed in red and black. Historiated initial B on embossed gold ground; smaller initials in red and blue throughout, a few with ink flourishing in red or brown (scattered wormspots at ends, some affecting text, some dampstains). Modern blue morocco (a little scuffed). Provenance: occasional manuscript comments – "Ecclesiae decanalis [Utrecht?]" (inscription) – acquired from Lathrop C. Harper, Inc, New York, 20 May 1955.