39, n. 297.

The rubrication of the present copy is not only elaborate but also of
unusual merit. The first of the twelve-line initials of the thirty-seven
books is finely illuminated in gold and colors. The others, in the
outlines of which grotesque features are occasionally introduced, are
set off by skilful pen-work, harmonizing in general effect, but
carefully avoiding repetition in details. The chapter initials also, a
thousand or more in number, in alternate red and blue, or red and green,
have much variety and grace. The initial L, for example, occurring
twenty-eight times in the first book, is never repeated in the same form
and color. The blank fol. 3^b is occupied by the name Jesus in very
large and ornate characters, in different colors, surrounded by scroll
and figure decoration. The Bagneri arms, included in the ornamentation
of the first initial, point to an early ownership of the volume, and the
arms of the Antella family of Florence at the foot of the first page, to
a later ownership.

The introductory epistle of the younger Pliny, describing his uncle's
manner of life, was addressed to his friend Macer, who here becomes
Marcus by the easy transposition of Macro to Marco. Less easily
explained is the substitution in the dedication of Domitian for his
brother Titus Vespasian, to whom Pliny dedicated the work.

Two editions of the _Naturalis Historia_ preceded this, the first
printed by John of Speier in 1469, with a five years' privilege from the
Venetian senate, which expired at his death in 1470, the second by
Sweynheym and Pannartz, Rome, 1470. With the first of these, Jenson's
edition agrees in the number of pages and of lines to the page. From the
second he reprinted the letter addressed by the editor Johannes Andreas,
Bishop of Aleria, to his patron Pope Paul II., and the earnest appeal
for care on the part of any who should reprint his Pliny, "_ne ad priora
menda et tenebras inextricabiles tanti sudoris opus relabatur_." Fifteen
more editions were printed before the close of the 15th century.
Jenson's Pliny is generally regarded as the finest production of his
press. The type is his first font.

The Wodhull copy, bought of Thomas Payne, book-seller, in 1791 for
L12.12s., and bound by Roger Payne in russia gilt, with Wodhull arms on
side, at the additional cost of L1. Leaf 15-1/4 x 10-1/4 in.

12. NONIUS MARCELLUS. De compendiosa doctrina. Venetiis, Nicolaus
Jenson, 1476.

_Fol. 1, bl