David Lubin Memorial Library

Flip through rare books from the dawn of printing

Feel the excitement of flipping through the pages of a digital facsimile, imagining the texture of the paper and the weight in your hands as you connect with agricultural wisdom from centuries past, touching the digital representation of ink pressed during the dawn of printing.  

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The Garden
Hortus Romanus

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Hortus Romanus, an extraordinary eight-volume botanical work, was published in Rome between 1772 and 1793. It stands out as a rare and significant Italian contribution to 18th-century botanical literature. Initiated by Giorgio Bonelli and  continued by Niccolò Martelli,  its artistic brilliance lies in the exquisite hand-painted illustrations by Cesare Ubertini, engraved by Maddalena Bouchard.

This rare edition is also notable for its luxurious presentation. Printed on sumptuous handmade paper, fewer than 300 copies were produced, with only a limited number hand-painted in the bold, exuberant style of the era. This exceptional craftsmanship and scarcity make Hortus Romanus a highly treasured piece for collectors and historians alike.