NANI MIRABELLI, Domenico (1455-1528). Polyanthea opus suavissimus floribus exornatum compositum. Savona: Francesco Silva, 1503. First edition of one of the earliest and most popular encyclopedic works conceived for the book market. Compiled by Domenico Nani Mirabelli'school rector, archpriest of Savona, and papal secretary; the Polyanthea gathers extracts from 163 authors, from Aristotle to Dante, alphabetically arranged and covering classical antiquity, medieval history, natural sciences, and medicine. Intended for the moral and intellectual education of both youths and adults'particularly students of rhetoric'it offers definitions, Greek etymologies, Latin and Greek quotations, and thematic summaries. Though citing pagan and anti-Christian authors, Nani ensured a safe and edifying selection. The Polyanthea saw at least 41 editions between 1503 and 1681, often revised and expanded. Folio (293 x 215mm). Fine half-page woodcut at start, half-title, preface heading and first initial printed in red, woodcut initials, text in two columns (small wormholes to first few leaves, light dampstains to inner margins and corners, some foxing). Bound in 17th-century full vellum with 19th-century Morocco lettering-pieces, sprinkled edges. Provenance: cancelled early ownership to half-title; a few early marginal annotations. (1)