[HERRERA, Gabriel Alonso (1470-1539)]. Libro de Agricultura, que tracta de la labranca u crianca, y de muchas otras particularidades y provechos del campo. Medicina del Campo: Juan Boyer, 1584.

Second edition of an important Spanish botanical work. "The first edition of this book was published in 1513, but the edition of 1584 is considered a specially fine example of Spanish printing. It is the first book in the Castilian language to describe the useful plants of Spain" (Hunt). Not much is known about the author, but he was known as the "Columella of Spain" due to this book. Hunt 148; Palau 114098.

Folio (279 x 190mm). Title printed in red and black. 3/4 page woodcut device on title and large woodcut device on final leaf, small woodcut calendrical illustrations, woodcut initials and ornaments (some worming in gutter affecting text, mostly at beginning, in some cases patched; browning, some spots). Early vellum with morocco title piece, edges red. Provenance: effaced ownership inscription on title page and manuscript bibliographic note on flyleaf – Lawes Agricultural Library, Rothamsted Collection (acquired 1934 and sold, Forum Auctions, 10 July 2018, lot 141).