ROTA ROMANA – Decisiones Rotae Romanae. Compiled by Guillelmus Gallici, Guillelmus Horborch and Bonaguida Cremonensis. Additions by Jacobus de Camplo. Rome: Ulrich Han (Udalricus Gallus) and Simon Nicolai Chardella, 20 November 1472.

Second edition of the decisions taken by the highest appeals court of the Middle Ages. Rare, the only copy in America. A large copy in a German contemporary binding with its chain staple. Established at Avignon, the Rota (“wheel”) met in a round chamber to consider cases ranging from annulling marriages to all matters of canon law. The only higher judge is the Pope himself. Only 11 copies survive worldwide, and none in the UK. H 6044*; BSB-Ink D-82; GW 8200; Goff D-104; ISTC id00104000.

Two parts in one, royal folio (397 × 283mm). 259 leaves (of 294, lacking second part’s table and three blanks). Illuminated initial on first Decisiones novae text leaf (lower margin extended), large blue and red initial on first Decisiones antiquae text leaf, rubricated (Decisiones novae bound before Decisiones antiquae, few leaves soiled, occasional stains). Contemporary ?German calf over wooden boards, tooled in blind possibly by either Heiliger Hubertus [EBDB w002922] or Darmstadt Hs 536 [w007859], triple-filleted panel design with central lozenges filled with St Catherine of Alexandria, St Barbara, St John the Evangelist eagle with banner, Agnus Dei and other tools, brass clasps, chain staple at head of lower board, vellum pastedowns (rebacked, clasps possibly on new strips, some wear with a little loss of leather, some wormholes). Provenance: few contemporary Latin annotations – Phyllis Goodhart Gordan (1913–1994; leather label); by descent.