GIOVIO (Paulo). Historiarum sui temporis. Florence, Lorenzo Torrentino, 1550-1552. 2 volumes in one folio, fawn calf, triple gilt fillet, spine decorated with large gilt fleurons, inner lace, gilt edges (H. Lefèvre). A rare and much sought-after first edition of this essential work on the history of the Italian wars. Paolo Giovio (1483-1552) was a physician, historian, papal legate and bishop of Nocera. This History of his time is dedicated to Como de' Medici, Duke of the Republic of Florence, whose woodcut arms adorn the two titles and the verso of the last page. The first volume relates events from the entry of Charles VIII's armies into Italy in 1494 and the capture of Naples to the Peace of Noyon, signed between Francis I and Charles V in 1516; the second volume continues the chronicle of the Italian wars up to 1547. The author is highly critical of Charles V, whom he holds responsible for the Sack of Rome in 1527, which he witnessed. A superb copy, washed, glued and carefully bound by H. Lefèvre in the second half of the 19th century. Minor spotting to binding. The last leaf of the first volume (Ee4) has been removed, as is often the case. Adams, G-649 - CNCE: 21172 - USTC: 833173.