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Decadis[The History of Rome] 
Livius, Titus
Venice, 1501
 
Folio(325x213 mm). ff. (20) + 229 + (1, blank). A complete copy! Woodcut printer's device(Georgium de Rusconibus/Giorgio Rusconi) and woodcut initials throughout. Early 20th century brown morocco with gilt lettering and top edge. Small tape repair at the bottom of leaf 124, some minor foxing on a few leaves mainly at the second half of the book, else Near Fine. Marginal annotations and underlining in red by Marcus Antonius Coccius Sabellicus(?),(1436–1506) – Venetian scholar and curator of the National Library of St. Mark’s in Venice. A lovely copy of a very rare edition of Livy - I could only locate 1 auction result in the last 150 years and some 10 copies in libraries, of which only 2 are in the USA.
 
One of Rome’s greatest writers, Titus Livius lived a contemplative life dedicated largely to writing Rome’s history – continually publishing new material by popular demand. Only 35 of his original 142 books survived, which were eventually divided into decades by later scribes. Taking a biased focus on the character and virtue necessary to achieve Rome’s greatness rather than pure historical accuracy, Livy’s vivid style was nonetheless highly influential on future writers and historians.