BOCCHI (Achille). Symbolicarum quæstionum, de universo genere, quas serio ludebat, libri quinque. Bologna, Societas typographiæ Bononiensis, 1574. In-4, soft vellum with small overlaps, traces of binding (contemporary binding). One of the finest books of Italian emblems of the Cinquecento. Second edition of this collection of symbolic poems in Latin by Achille Bocchi (1488-1562), founder of the Academy of Bologna. The first edition dates from 1555. The illustration consists of 151 large figures engraved in intaglio by Giulio Bonasone, inspired by prints by Raphael and Michelangelo and drawings by the Parmesan. These engravings have been retouched in the present edition by Agostino Carracci, Annibale's brother, who has worked above all to accentuate the shadows. This was the first book published by the Società tipografica bolognese, founded in July 1572 with Carlo Sigonio as scientific director. It was printed by Giovanni Rossi, the society's master printer. A pleasant copy in contemporary vellum. Landwehr,Romanic, n°163 - Praz, 276 - Mortimer, n°77 - Adams, B-2195 - Cicognara, n°1851.