Jacobus Mazzocchius, 1521; Charles I's copy

MAZZOCCHIUS, Jacobus (fl. 1506-1527). Epigrammata antiquae urbis. Rome: Jacobus Mazzocchius, April 1521.

Charles I's copy of a fundamental work on the study of ancient inscriptions, with his name and motto inscribed on the title. Pomponius Leto and his Roman Academy in the previous century had begun to take a new interest in the surviving inscriptions of ancient Rome; this antiquarian trend eventually produced printed compilations such as this one, which not only gave access to the material history of the city to those further afield, but allowed inscriptions from across Europe to be gathered and studied together, enabling "an epoch-making recovery of the day-to-day life of the ancient world" (Grafton).

This is the first edition of Mazzochius's major work as a printer and antiquarian, in which he probably used all of his current stock of borders. "The work is sometimes recorded under the name of Angelo Colocci as principal editor. Colocci was the owner of an important collection of Roman inscriptions and sculpture, and pieces from his collection are included in this volume" (Mortimer). This copy belonged to Charles I, bearing his name and motto on the title page. Charles was an art collector and had a Classical education; of course, some of his critics might have said he had a little too much interest in Rome. Cicognara 3789; Mortimer Italian 297; Bibliotheca Fictiva 249 ("forgeries abound"). See Anthony Grafton, Bring Out Your Dead: The Past as Revelation (2001).

Folio (278 x 194mm). Woodcut illustrations, including one full-page woodcut on the Pantheon, many inscriptions set within woodcut borders both simple and elaborate, and other pages with woodcut ornamental borders (title and ends somewhat soiled, with occasional unobtrusive marginal restorations, D1 with large closed tear, leaves at end with poor impressions). 19th-century gilt-ruled morocco by Riviere, edges gilt (joints a little tender). Provenance: Charles I, 1600-1649, King of England until his execution (inscription on title).