Includes the text of the orations.
The Ciceronian texts are printed in Italic type in two columns, with Paolo Manuzio's commentary in Roman type in long lines, arranged so that text and commentary are always on the same or adjacent pages.
The first of a three volume edition; the second & third volumes were published in 1579.
Signatures: *⁴ A-3C⁴.
200 leaves. Woodcut medallion portrait of Aldus the Elder on title-page, engraved portrait of Paolo Manutio on verso of title (plate mark meas. 210 x 150 mm) with engraved caption reading "Paullus Manutius Aldi F", woodcut initials and head- and tailpieces.
Copy includes the rectangular engraving of the Paulus Mantius portrait, with his coat of arms at right, as opposed to the smaller, oval portrait found in some copies.
Includes 72 page index on leaves 2S-3C⁴.
Library's copy is a large paper impression, likely a presentation copy to Giacomo Boncompagni, the Duke of Sora, and the illegitimate son of Pope Gregory XIII, from Aldo Manuzio the Younger. The binding exhibits the Boncompagni arms with the same "papal" augmentation as the six examples known to Paul Needham (cf. Twelve Centuries of Bookbindings: 400-1600, no. 77).