[Strassburg: Johann (Reinhard) Grüninger, about 1488]

The medieval bestseller Disticha Cathonis is the first book in this composite collection of popular Latin grammar textbooks. A series of unknown and unidentified early owners have left profuse evidence of practical use. ‘Nicolaus’ added extensive marginal notes to the printed commentary and, commenting on a text relating to the dangers of relying on capricious Fortune, drew a man with a sword attempting to scalp another. David Zaczenus and Matthaeus Stramnis both added further layers of annotation. The unassuming but solid binding, crudely inscribed with the initials of a further early owner, M.A., testifies to the utilitarian nature of the collection.

Inc.5.A.2.12[163], fol. i4 recto