Giustiniano - Codicis Domini Iustiniani Sacratissimi Principis - 1571

Codex Iustiniani (Corpus Iuris Civilis) – Tomus Secundus
Lugduni (Lyons), At Guillaume Rouillé, 1571.

Format: small 8vo (12.3 × 8.5 cm).
Pages: [824] + pp. 825-1520 + [168] leaves of indexes/tables.

In two volumes only the last 6 books (Books VI-XII) of the Codex Iustinianus repetitae praelectionis, the great collection of imperial Roman constitutions arranged by Justinian. Includes essential sections on hereditary law, fideicommissa, crimes, procedures, military privileges, decurions, usucapion, etc., with comments and typographic apparatus by the humanist Antonius Contius (Antoine Leconte). Presents woodcut borders, ornate initials, and chronological tables (with references to Contius).

Contemporary limp parchment binding, with handwritten title on the back (typical for portable editions of the period).

Good condition with some widespread browning typical of 16th-century paper, binding a bit loose but sturdy and functional.

This is an important Lyons edition from the sixteenth century of Justinian’s Codex, a pillar of Roman law and the foundation of continental civil law in Europe. The Rouillé edition edited by Contius is regarded for its philological care and the practicality of the pocketable format. Complete or partial editions of the Corpus Iuris Civilis of 1571 are now rare on the market, especially in this small “study” format intended for jurists and students.

The volume represents a fundamental piece of the humanistic reception of Roman law, which profoundly influenced modern legal thought.

Genuine and complete copy of the present section, with historical charm and ancient manuscripts on the cut and the endpapers.

Ideal for collections of incunabula/legal five-centuries, history of law, or specialized libraries. Despite normal signs of use, it remains well-preserved for a volume over 450 years old.