GREEK PHILOSPHY AND SCIENCE – Epistolae diversorum philosophorum. Edited by Marcus Musurus. Venice: Aldus Manutius, (I) [29] March 1499; (II) [not before 17 April] 1499.

Editio princeps of many important Greek letters, from the library of a Spanish humanist. Marcus Musurus curated this selection for Aldus, ranging from Plato to the end of antiquity. The collection "reflects Byzantine taste. Many Byzantines had practiced the art of letter writing, and as usual they studied the precedents set by ancient authors … the Aldine is therefore a collection similar to those found in some medieval manuscripts but rather more comprehensive" (Wilson). It includes the letter of Synesius to his friend and teacher, the female philosopher Hypatia—whom the annotator, possibly former owner Diego de Covarrubius y Leyva, labels with her name in manuscript. Goff E64; Klebs 379.1; Bod-inc E-022; BSB-Ink E-86; GW 9367; HC 6659*; UCLA 30; ISTC ie00064000; see Nigel Wilson, From Byzantium to Italy, pp.150-151.

Two parts in one, chancery quarto (212 x 148mm). 404 leaves. Greek and Roman types. Blank spaces left for initials with printed guide letters, a few filled in with ink by an early annotator (dampstaining affecting top edge). 16th-century dark brown morocco, title in ink on fore edge, catches on bottom board (rebacked, original leather heavily abraded, lacking clasps). Provenance: extensive underlining and marginalia calling out ancient authors in pink and purple ink, possibly by: – Diego de Covarrubias y Leyva (1512-1577, Spanish bishop, jurist, and humanist whose brother collected Greek manuscripts; inscription on title) – Austrian Federal Monuments office (Bundesdenkmalamt) stamp, 1920s – Theodore L. De Vinne (1828-1914; bookplate).