Simonetta (Giovanni) Commentarii rerum gestarum Francisci Sfortiae, first edition, [edited by Franciscus Puteolanus], collation: a-z8 A-E8 F-G6 H-K8 L6 M-N8 O10, 291 leaves (of 292, with blank leaf O9 but lacking final blank O10), 42 lines, Roman type, first leaf with six-line initial in blue on a richly ornamented red ground, numerous six-line Lombard initials, alternately in blue and red, with the inked guide letter still visible in a few cases, two-line initial in blue on O8v, occasional marginal annotation in two (possibly three) early hands (a few times trimmed), first leaf with subtle short repaired tear to lower margin, c8 with short tear to fore-margin repaired, very light foxing at beginning and end, else generally clean, final few leaves with small stab-holes to inner margin repaired, early 20th century black morocco over wooden boards, spine titled in gilt, rubbed, mainly to joints and corners, g.e., folio (314 x 204mm.), Milan, Antonio Zarotto, 23 January [between July 1481 and February 1482].*** A very good, wide-margined copy of the first edition of this highly detailed account of the accomplishments of condottiero Francesco Sforza (1401-1466), the first duke of Milan from the Sforza dynasty. Simonetta, whose brother Cecco was secretary and advisor to Francesco and his son Galeazzo, was a member of the Sforza inner circle. The publication was troubled following the Simonettas’ fall from grace upon the accession of Francesco's son, Lodovico, to the Dukedom, and in 1480 he had Cecco beheaded on charges of treason. His regard for his father's biographer motivated him to spare Giovanni. Literature: BMC VI 718; GW M42283; Goff S532; Bod-inc S-214; ISTC is00532000.