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De proprietatibus rerum

by Bartholomaeus Anglicus

The medieval treatise On the Properties of Things (De proprietatibus rerum) normally attributed to Bartholomaeus Anglicus, was actually written by Bartholomaeus de Glanvilla, a 13th century Franciscan monk living in Paris, who was also known as Bartholomaeus Anglicus (Bartholomew of England). On the Properties of Things is a type of proto-encyclopedia, covering a wide range of subjects including religion, sciences, and medicine. It was widely copied and read during the Middle Ages. With the advent of printing De proprietatibus rerum became an even more popular work of reference. This edition, the earliest in the Lane Library, was printed by Anton Koberger of Nuremberg in 1483. Prior to this printing there were seven other editions printed, beginning in 1472. The Lane copy is in a contemporary binding of blind-stamped pigskin over oak boards, rebacked.--J. Norman, 2006.