Catullus. Tibullus. Propetius

[Venice: Aldus Manutius, January 1502]. (Colophon: Venetiis in Aedibus Aldi. Mense Ianuario m.d.ii), 1502. First Aldine edition, first issue with the misprint of "Propetius" for Propertius on the title-page and the cancellan of the corrected title-page on the final leaf. Renouard 1502-16; Adams C1137; Clemons and Fletcher 32. Faint early ink ownership marks on the title-page; binding slightly rubbed, particularly at the head of the spine, where the hinge is just starting; a fine copy.. Small 8vo, 19th century brown polished calf, dark brown morocco spine labels, Aldine anchor gilt-stamped on the upper and lower boards, gilt rules, decorations and lettering. The first Aldine edition of the complete poetry of Catullus, published with the selected verse of his fellow Roman poets, Tibullus and Sextus Propertius, edited by Girolamo Avanzi - an important and authoritative edition for its scholarship and as a precursor to Aldus' designs as a publisher of the Classics in small format: "The starkness of this simple title-page reflects Aldus's intent to print the great classics in simple, elegant editions. In his dedicatory letter to the Venetian historian Marino Sanuto (1466-1536), Aldus expresses the hope that 'this small format enables readers to come and go with Catullus constantly and conveniently in hand'" - Clemons and Fletcher.