EQUICOLA, Mario (1470-1525). Libro de natura de amore. Venice: Lorio, 1525. First edition, last published at auction in 1975 (RBH) of this encyclopaedic work on love, divided into six books, which had fourteen editions by 1607. In the first book, the author summarises theories of love by medieval and humanist authors, establishing a continuity between early love literature and neo-Platonic theories, focusing on thematic analysis rather than literary value. Subsequent books explore different aspects of love: from basic emotions, attraction to the beautiful, to sensual and spiritual love, the latter culminating in God as the ultimate goal. The fifth book deals with the virtues and manners that lovers should adopt, and concludes with an analysis of the classical poets and a history of Provençal poetry. The breadth of scholarly references; including medicine, Kabbalah and astrology; gives the work an encyclopaedic feel, providing readers with an important source of knowledge. 4to, (208 x 145mm). Title page within woodcut frame, vignette with St. Catherine in colophon, woodcut vignettes, woodcut illustrated initials (some spotting and occasional spotting otherwise good copy). Contemporary leather binding with gilt and blindstamped decoration. Provenance: 'Antonio Aliferi 1596' ownership inscription on the endpapers overwriting a signature dated 1536. (1)