Andrea Alciato / Claudius Minaeus [Claude Mignault] (editor) - Omnia Andreae Alciati V.C. emblemata: cum commentariis, quibus emblematum omnium aperta origine, - 1581

Omnia Andreae Alciati V.C. emblemata: cum commentariis, quibus emblematum omnium aperta origine, mens auctoris explicatur, & obscura omnia dubiaque illustrantur: per Claudium Minoem Divionensem. – Andrea Alciato / Claudius Minaeus [Claude Mignault] (editor)

Antverpiae [Antwerp]: Ex Officina Christophori Plantini, 1581. 2 volumes bound in one: Title page, [17], 218, 698 pages. 16cm x 11cm. Full vellum binding with hand-lettered spine. Significant third and expanded edition of this first emblem book, featuring the full set of 211 emblems, an engraved title page as well as several engraved initials. The second volume contains extensive commentaries from Claudios Minaeus, explaining the origins and meanings of the emblems. This is an essential component of this edition.
Rubbing, bumping, wear, and some soiling to the boards and spine. The front hinge is a bit soft as the top string is broken. The front free endpaper is creased and a bit damaged. Pencil markings on the front pastedown endpaper. Pen inscription on the empty page before the title page. Address sticker and pencil markings on the back pastedown endpaper. The first page of the vita of Andrea Alciato is damaged at the edges and has a tear in the top left which was fixed with tape. Page 81 in the first volume has tears (some fixed) in the right edge. Pen writing on page 169. Page 181 has a small tear in the right edge, not affecting the content. Page 201/202 of Vol II has the top outer corner torn off, and some content is missing on both pages. Page 465 has some small cuts in the top edge, not affecting the text. There is some crossed out pen writing on the very last page, and some pencil markings on the facing page. Water staining throughout. Browning and spotting throughout as usual. See photos for all described damages. The text and illustrations are clear, and the binding is a bit soft in the first pages, but solid in the rest. Overall, and considering its age, a copy in good condition.