1553 Catullus, Tibullus, Propertius. Ancient love poetry. Gryphius, Venice

A 1553 printing of the works of Catullus, Tibullus and Propertius by the Venetian side of the Gryphius powerhouse publishing firm (also operating in France), with their printer's mark. Aldus first grouped these classics, but the tradition of printing them as one is here continued.

The first leaf (the title page) seems thicker, but I don't think it's a facsimile. I have a sneaking suspicion the Gryphius' family were using the same text block but interchanging title pages so both branches could sell the work in their country.

About the Work -

"Catullus, particularly in his poetry to his lovers, often shocked readers, as his writing was frank and explicit. Tibullus also wrote love poetry, and his style was clear, finished, and unaffected, with a natural grace and tenderness. Propertius wrote four books of poetry, the first dedicated to his lover Cynthia, and his works were all written in elegiac couplets." - Oxford web posting titled Every Man's Companion; Works of Catullus, Tibullus and Propertius

Also, Catullus' graveside elegy for his brother, known as Carmen 101, is noted for its profound grief.

About the Printer's Mark -

The printer's mark is a play on words regarding the printing family's last name. The winged globe represents fortune, and the stone represents virtues. This is based on Cicero, when he wrote "With virtue as a guide, and fortune as a companion."

Provenance -

Inscription seeming to read, "1760. Di Fra.co Saverio Grisei da Marano. Ediz e rara pagata baj. 60". There is some likelihood this is a forefather of the Saverio Grisei that was a revolutionary for Italy in the 19th century, but Francisco Saverio was a popular name since the 16th century Catholic missionary to China of the same name.

Bibliographic Details -

Universal Short Title Catalogue number 821187. Outside of Italy (where there's many), only five copies recorded (National Library of Russia, BL, Queen's College, St. Anne's College, Chicago Uni.).

Physical Attributes -

Measures approx. 15 x 10 x 2 cm. Vellum binding covering pasteboard boards. All edges red. Printer's mark at front and rear.

Pages - 335, (1) Complete.

Condition -

See pictures. See pictures. Binding with some hints of writing on the front board. Some darkening spots to the spine and rear board of binding. Title, in old hand, faded on spine. 1760 owner inscription on FEP and old bookseller ticket on pastedown. Text block with some toning, thumbing, underlining, dog-eared corners, occasional staining/foxing etc. throughout. Title page with a few stains (near fore-edge and at gutter); also, thicker than other pages, either a cancel or facsimile. Trimmed close, sometimes cutting marginal notes. There is a marginal note, in an old hand on page 320.