(Mirabilia Romae vel potius) Historia et descriptio urbis Romae

12 September 1499

de Beer Itb 1499 I

Hain 11201*; Schudt 15; ISTC im00603400

Rome: Eucharius Silber
Eucharius Silber (fl. 1480-1510) was a German who established an early press in Rome where he became a leading printer. He published many original works, some in Italian, and issued a fine Roman Missal in 1488. The business was continued from 1510 to 1527 by Marcellus Silber.

Grubby white paper over paper wrappers. Unknown dealer's catalogue entry pasted in front endpaper.

Front endpapers, woodcut of Romulus and Remus, SPQR double-page spread.

An early guide book for pilgrims to Rome. Unhampered by any very accurate knowledge of the historical continuity of the city, the unknown author has described the monuments of Rome, displaying a considerable amount of invention. From the pontificate of Boniface VIII to that of John XXII (1316-34), it was revised and attained unquestioned authority, despite the increase in the already large number of misconceptions and errors.

Paper. [60] leaves : ill. ; 160 x 95 mm (octavo).
Roman type.
F.1b: In isto opusculo dicit quomodo Romulus [et] Remus nati sunt [et] educati. Et postea Romulus factus est primus Romanorii rex [et] conditor Romane vrbis.
Woodcuts for the seven churchs, and a frontispiece showing Rhea Silvia, the she-wolf, and the City of Rome.
One sheet in manuscript (D5).
DU copy incomplete, wanting three leaves D4 and D5, and H4 (colophon).

1. Esmond de Beer
2. Otago University Library