The author Poggio Bracciolini (1380–1459) was a celebrated early humanist, responsible for the rediscovery of numerous classical Latin manuscripts in monastic libraries across Europe. This work is a collection of comic (and often very rude) tales which mercilessly satirise the monastic orders and members of the clergy. The book was among those which Hoby purchased in Venice in 1554.

Poggio Bracciolini, Facetie (Venice: s.n., 1512), title page. St John’s College, Cambridge, Aa.2.73. By permission of the Master and Fellows of St John’s College, Cambridge.