Venice: Casa de figliuoli di Aldo [Aldus], 1554. First edition. First edition in Italian of Pro T. Annio Milone. Small octavo (5 7/8 x 4 in; 150 x 100 mm). [2], 38 pp. Title and preface in roman; main text in italic within a narrow column with wide margins. Aldine printer's device to title-page and verso to E6. Contemporary limp vellum. Imperfect paper restoration to upper corner of preliminary leaf A2 with some loss of text to the first seven lines. Early inked ownership on title page later inked-out; one contemporary inked margin note, a few underlinings or margin marks. Final two leaves with worming to extreme gutter margin. Library shelf label to front paste-down endpaper. Withal, an excellent copy of a a rarely seen Aldine volume.

Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 BC), more commonly known as Cicero, was one of the foremost Roman politicians, scholars, philosophers, and writers. A prolific writer, his work (and command of the Latin language) is still studied today. Cicero wrote this speech, the Pro Tito Annio Milone ad iudicem oratio, in defense of his friend Titus Annius Milo (95-48 BC), which he gave at the man’s trial. The latter had been accused, and was found guilty, of murdering his political opponent Publius Clodius Pulcher (92-52 BC).

Scarce. Adams C1893. Ahmanssom-Murphy 469. Schweiger II, 244. Renouard 161:14. BMSTC I, 180. Fine (Item #6223)