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Collins, Minta (ed.).
Tractatus de Herbis [with] Commentary.
Publisher: Folio Society, London;
Date of Publication: 2002
Stock Code: 15436
Limited edition facsimile of 1000 copies only (of which this is number 201). Two volumes. ‘Tractatis’: folio, ff., 109, plus colophon to end. Digital photographic facsimile after British Library Egerton MS 747. Bound in full emerald goatskin by Smith Settle of Otley; spine on four raised bands; titled in gilt to spine; red leather onlays to upper board; black and gilt design by David Eccles to upper board; all edges gilt; forest-green laid end-papers by Fabriano. ‘Commentary’: octavo, pp., 76. Bound in Fabriano paper-covered boards over green cloth back. Both volumes housed in emerald green cloth clamshell box, lined with Fabriano paper. No noticeable flaws or imperfections. A fine set. An excellently presented facsimile of late thirteenth-century pharmacological manuscript of Salerno. The ‘Tractatus de Herbis’ was produced by a scholar of Schola Medica Salernitana, the oldest medical school in Europe. The manuscript concerns the medicinal use of plant, animal, and mineral products, and is artfully illustrated. The ‘Tractatus’ is one of the masterpieces of Western botanical illustration, and is reproduced faithfully in high-quality photo facsimile in this volume. Heavyweight, so an additional postage contribution may be requested for shipping to overseas addresses. £250.00