Petrarca (Francesco) Le Cose volgari di Messer Francesco Petrarcha, edited by Pietro Bembo, title and headlines in Roman type, text in italic type, initial spaces with guide-letter, z4blank, lacking blank A8, some spotting or light foxing, a few small stains, modern dark green crushed morocco, gilt, g.e., [Adams P787; Ahmanson-Murphy 43; Renouard, Alde, 28:5; Mortimer, Italian, 371; EDIT 16 CNCE 36111], 8vo, [Venice], [Aldus Manutius], [July, 1501].

⁂ The first Aldine edition and first vernacular text to be printed in Griffo's italic type. Griffo based his type on the cursive bookhands used by humanist scribes in Aldus's circle, including Pomponio Leto and Bartolommeo Sanvito. This pocket-size edition was intended to make scholarly editions of the classics more readily available to a wider reading public. These handsomely printed editions were quickly counterfeited by Lyons printers. This copy bound without sig. B, Aldus's address to the reader and errata, which is often missing as a result of censorship, as it contained verses critical of Rome.