(Mirabilia Romae vel potius) Historia et descriptio urbis Romae

15 November 1499

De Beer Itb 1499 I

H 11202*; Schudt 16; ISTC im00603500

Rome: Stephan Plannck
The first book containing Stephan Plannck or Planck's name was the Roman Missal finished on 5 March 1482 (Hain *11377), although he was printing a few years prior to this (See BMC III, p.80). Plannck became a leading printer in Rome, and had the distinction of printing in 1493 the first printed European description of the people and places in America by Columbus.

Vellum covers; manuscript notes at front with printed pasted down endpaper. Some leaves loose.

First page of text proper, with provenance inscription, front endpapers, including a detail, colophon, 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. Pencilled price of 48 at back.

Paper. [56] leaves; 140 x 95 mm (octavo).
Roman type.
F.1a: In isto opusculo dicitur quomodo Romulus [et] Remus nati sunt [et] educati. Et postea Romulus factus est primus Romanorum rex et conditor Romane vrbis:
F.55a: Colophon: Impressum Rome per magistru Stephannz Planck, Patauien. Anno dni. M.cccc.xciv. die vero. xv Nouembris. Sedente Alexandro. vj. pontifice maximo Anno eius Octauo.
11 woodcuts.

1. Obliterated stamp (Deutsche..?) on inside front cover.
2. College Society of Jesu Landspergae
3. Esmond de Beer
4. University of Otago Library