JACOBUS PHILIPPUS DE BERGAMO (1434–1520). Supplementum chronicarum. Venice: Bernardinus Benalius, 15 December 1486.

First illustrated edition (third overall) of an influential universal chronicle. Jacobus de Bergamo’s Supplementum chronicarum first appeared in 1483, supplementing previous world histories. For the present, first illustrated, edition, Benalius used blocks derived from Rolewinck's popular chronicle, the Fasciculus temporum. The large woodcut of Genoa is original to this edition and one of the first printed depictions of the city (Hind). Hind also notes that the Biblical cuts resemble the work of Hieronymus de Sanctis, described as ‘the most skilled engraver working in Venice at the end of the 15th century’ (Essling 260).

An early discussion of the invention of printing appears under 1458; Gutenberg and Fust are named but Jenson (named in the first edition) is here omitted: ‘Ars imprimendi libros his temporibus in Germania primum inventa est; quam alis repertam asserunt a Gutenbergo argentino. Alii a quodam alio nomini Fusto. Qua certe nulla in mundo dignior: nulla laudabilior: aut utilior: sive divinior aut sanctior esse potuit.’ (The art of printing first was invented in Germany at this time, which some claim to have been invented by the Strassburger Johannes Gutenberg, and others by one named Fust; what is certain is that nothing in the world could be more praiseworthy, laudable, useful, divine or blessed). HC *2807; BMC V 371; BSB-Ink I-123; Bod-inc J-089; CIBN J-142; Essling 342; GW M10971; Goff J-210; ISTC ij00210000.

Chancery folio (282 × 195mm). 274 leaves. Woodcut initials and illustrations throughout (light dampstain through first few gatherings, a couple marginal short closed tears, a few leaves browned). 18th-century flexible vellum with ties (rear hinge cracked but holding, one tie wanting). Provenance: early inscription to verso of first leaf (‘S[anc]ti p. Aug[usti]ni […] satorris’) – John F. Crellin (inscription on endpaper).