2.   Homer, Homeri Ilias / Ulyssea 

Aldo Manunzio, who had been publishing editions of the Greek classics since 1495, began the publication of the famous octavo editions of Latin and Italian texts from 1501. The editions of Greek classics in octavo combine these two publishing ventures of Aldus.

In this first Aldine edition of Homer, the characteristics of the folio editions of the Classics are readily apparent, despite its small size. It has, on the first page, the marginal decoration bearing the heraldic device of the owner [1], comparable to those commonly found in the folio incunabula such as Jenson's Plutarch (no.1). According to Renouard, this Homer is also extant in about twenty vellum copies. The production of de luxe copies on vellum is another feature commonly found among Italian incunabulae of 1470-80. Decorated capitals of simple but elegant design appear throughout the text [2].

Other Images :   [3]

Adams, H741; Ahmanson-Murphy, I, 68/1-68/2; BL STC Italy, p. 330; Renouard, I, 109-110