Giovanni Boccaccio - Decamerone - 1729

Uncommon copy, one of the 300 of this reprint of the famous sixteenth-century "Giuntina", printed on paper and with types of the sixteenth century.

One of the first examples of falsification of a book.
The reprint that was paid by S. Ferrari (according to other sources of the British consul in Venice, the bibliophile Joseph Smith, 1682 -1770) by E. Orlandini and published by Pasinello, is almost identical to the original edition (nn. sheet). Florence (actually Venice), Filippo di Giunta (actually Étienne Orlandini).

"Each of the many reprints of modern times must leave the first place to this one" (Gamba). "This very similar and beautiful, but erroneous, reproduction was published at the expense of Consul Smith in Venice in Pasinello in 1729. Only 300 copies were printed. A fire has increased its rarity" (Ebert).


"The best edition of the Décameron; it has long been the most esteemed among bibliophiles. We know that until the publication of Manelli's text in 1761, the 1527 edition was the best of all the reprints that were made of these tales" (Brunet).
This high-quality reprint was carried out with great care by Étienne Orlandini, paid for by Salvatore Ferrari; however, it differs from the 1527 edition in the typographical details listed by Brunet, the title page and collation are identical to those of the original edition. This edition was limited to 300 copies. (Graesse I, 440 - Brunet I, 999).

Coeval binding in perfect condition, full parchment with gold title on a faux label on the spine. Pp. 16 nn. 568. Typographic brand on the title page and at the end Florentine lily with two winged cherubs resting on a base bearing the motto "Nil candidius”. At the bottom, initial F. in an oval frame; mildew and small woodworm on the first sheets. An excellent copy with wide margins.
Eighteenth-century counterfeiting of the rare Giunti edition of 1527. Repetition of the woodcut typographic brand on the title page and at the end.
A beautiful copy with wide margins. - Adams B 2147; Brunet I, 999; Graesse I, 449f.; note Gamba 172; Ebert I, 2521.

Boccaccio Giovanni
Full title:
IL DECAMERONE [...] NUOVAMENTE CORRETTO ET CON DILIGENTIA STAMPATO.
S.L: S.E., 1527 (COLOPHON:) IMPRESSO IN FIRENZE [I.E. VENEZIA]: PER LI HEREDI DI PHILIPPO DI GIUNTA [I.E. STEFANO ORLANDELLI: COI TORCHI DI PASINELLO], 1527 ADI 14 DEL MESE DAPRILE [I.E. 1729].