De Principibus Atestinis – Pignæ – 1585 | House of Este Chronicle in Latin

The history of the House of Este is captured in this landmark 1585 first Latin edition of De Principibus Atestinis, printed in Ferrara. Originally written in Italian by J.B. Pignæ, this chronicle recounts the political, military, and dynastic evolution of the Este family from the fall of the Roman Empire through 1476. This Latin translation was done by J. Barone. Bound in period leather and issued as a substantial folio, this volume includes a rare and complete eight-page genealogical tree that charts the Este lineage in double-page format—an uncommon survival in early copies.

This edition offers an early Latin window into the lineage and statecraft of the Este family—one of Renaissance Italy’s most politically connected dynasties. The translator, J. Barone, adapts Pignæ’s chronicle into formal Latin prose, reflecting the scholarly ambitions of Ferrara’s court. The genealogy tree is perhaps the most impressive aspect of this book, detailing all of the most important members of the family.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: J.B. Pignæ de Principibus Atestinis Historiarum libri VIII. in quibus continentur res maxime insignes tum in Italia, tum alibi gestæ ab inclinatione Rom. Imperii ad annum 1476 … Ex Italica in Latinam linguam conversi a J. Barone
• Author(s): J.B. Pignæ
• Contributor(s): J. Barone (Translator)
• Publisher: Ferrariæ, Victorius Baldinus
• Edition: First Latin edition, 1585
• Format: Folio, single volume
• Binding: Strong leather binding, six raised bands
• Size:  12.25 in x 9 in (31 cm × 23 cm)
• Collation: [8], 660, [90] pp
• Contents Include:
  • Latin chronicle of the House of Este
  • Establishment of the House of Este
  • Historical narratives from the late Empire through the 15th century
  • Extensive prefatory and indexing sections
• Provenance: Armorial bookplate, likely identified as belonging to Jean d’Audibert, comte de Lussan, on title page verso

Condition:

The book is securely bound in full period leather with six raised spine ribs and moderate corner rubbing. The spine remains secure. Internally, the pages are complete, clean, and well-margined. The extensive genealogical table is clean with no loss or repairs. Signatures remain tight, and the paper quality is consistent throughout. Minimal to no toning on the pages.

Why Collect This?

• First Latin appearance of a major Este dynasty chronicle
• Features a complete 8-page genealogical chart

• Printed in Ferrara during the Este family’s late Renaissance dominance

INVENTORY NUMBER (SKU): #28701