
Description
(Lives of Famous Men)
by Pauli Iovii (Paolo Giovio)
Florence, L. Torrentino; 1573
With woodcut printer's mark (Medici coat of arms) and figurative and floral initials.
340 pp., 2 leaves.
Dark blue 19th-century leather binding with gilt fillets, gilt crowned monogram and gilt-stamped heraldic supralibros of J. Gomez de la Cortina on both covers, and gilt crowned monogram in the corners, marbled endpapers.
(Gilted inner edges and gilt edges; somewhat rubbed).
-Cf. Edit16 CNCE 21175, Adams G 639, Alden-L. 551/23, Fueter 51 fu Mortimer 213. -
Later edition, collation identical to the first, published by Torrentino in 1551; only the original date on the title page has been replaced by a vignette and the new date stamped below.
The eulogies dedicated to Cosimo de' Medici were originally intended as explanatory text for the portraits that Giovio had exhibited in his museum built near Como between 1536 and 1543.
They primarily deal with Italian war heroes, but also include pirates, Turkish and Persian rulers, etc.
Pages 171-174 contain a biography of Christopher Columbus, and pages 304-308 are dedicated to Hernando Cortes.
Very good interior, cleaned, a few edge tears skilfully restored, e.g., pp. 157/158, 207/208, 231/232 and 327/328.
Marginal note in ink on pp. 122 & 124.
From the library of Joaquin Gomez de la Cortina, Marques de Morante (1812-1868), high-ranking Spanish official and bibliophile (cf. Bogeng 202-208), with coat-of-arms applies to both covers
his bookplate and bookseller's label of H. Samuel, Paris, on the front pastedown.
With Torrentino's device of the Medici arms and figured and foliated initials.
folio. Size: 8 3/4 by 13 1/4 inches
Text in Latin
============
Pauli Iovii (Paolo Giovio) was a 16th-century Italian historian, biographer, physician, and bishop known for his Latin historical works like Historiarum Sui Temporis (History of His Own Times) and Elogia virorum illustrium (Lives of Famous Men),
He was a key figure in Renaissance historiography, documenting contemporary events and prominent figures
=============
Thank You
Refund Policy: We will issue a FULL REFUND, 100% money back if you are not satisfied with your purchase. Items must be returned to us within 20 days in order to receive a refund or replacement. Buyer is responsible for shipping costs.
Powered by SixBit's eCommerce Solution
Reserve: $1,000.00
Shipping:
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
Buyer's Premium
20%
1573 PAOLO GIOVIO Elogia virorum antique 16th century FOLIO HISTORY BIOGRAPHIES
Estimate $1,200-$1,500
Starting Price
$500
LiveAuctioneers Purchase Protection
Vetted auction houses
Secure, online bidding
Returns guaranteed for misrepresented listings
Dedicated support when you need it
Ink of Ages: 15th-19th Century Antique Books
Feb 26, 2026 7:00 PM ESTNew York, NY, United States
TOP

















![1562 ARISTOTLE STAGIRITAE COMMENTARIES by IBN RUSHD antique 16 century VELLUM: Title: 1562 ARISTOTLE STAGIRITAE COMMENTARIES by IBN RUSHD antique 16 century VELLUM Description: [Aristotle commentaries by Ibn Rushd] ARISTOTELIS STAGIRITAE libri MORALEM TOTAL PHILOSOPHIAM COMPLECT](https://p1.liveauctioneers.com/5584/407695/226546433_1_x.jpg?height=181&quality=70&sharpen=true&version=1772019496&width=181)





