PROPERTIUS, Sextus Aurelius (c.55/43–after 15 B.C.). Elegiae. Edited with commentary by Antonius Volscus. Venice: Andreas de Paltasichis, 1 February 1488. With: TIBULLUS, Albius (c.55–c.19 B.C.). Elegiae. Commentary by Bernardinus Cyllenius Veronensis. – CATULLUS (c.84–c.54 B.C.). Carmina. Commentary by Antonius Parthenius. Venice: Andreas de Paltasichis, 15 December 1487.

Early Venetian collection of the greatest Latin elegiac poets, in a contemporary Italian binding. This copy contains two editions bringing together the works of Catullus, Tibullus and Propertius. Printed at Venice within a year of each other, the editions were clearly intended to be companion volumes as their uniform type and format indicate. The present copy with its contemporary binding shows that the works were brought together soon after printing; other copies also survive together. I: HC 4762 (II); CIBN P-632 (I); BMC V 354; Bod-inc P-482; BSB-Ink P-805 (I); GW M47031; Goff P-1018; ISTC ip01018000. II: HC 4762 (I); CIBN P-632 (II); BMC V 354; Bod-inc T-210; BSB-Ink P-805 (II); GW M47031; Goff T-371; ISTC it00371000.

Chancery folio (310 × 210mm). I: 79 leaves (of 80, without first blank); II: 92 leaves. With “Tibulli & Catulli” register as in the BnF copy (preliminary leaves cracked around edges, split between quires B and C in I., some leaves toned, some spotting, occasional stains and marginal dampstains, few mostly marginal wormholes, small puncture through quire I with no loss of text). Contemporary Italian panelled calf over bevelled wooden boards, decorative tooling in blind on covers, gilt titling on spine, catchplate and strap remnants (upper hinges split and lower starting, wormholes, rubbed at extremities, scratches); cloth slipcase edged with leather. Provenance: early marginal Latin note – Howard Lehman Goodhart (1884-1952; leather label; gifted to his daughter:) – Phyllis Goodhart Gordan (1913-1994; leather label); by descent.