Cervantes Saavedra, Miguel de. NOVELAS EXEMPLARES. Milan: Juan Baptista Bidelo, 1615. 5.25" x 2.75". [24], 763 (i.e. 761) pp. Bound in early limp vellum with title to spine in manuscript. ************ A rare early edition of these twelve novellas by Cervantes, first published in 1613. The series was written by Cervantes 1590 and 1612 and would become the inspiration for several English Jacobean dramas, including several by Fletcher. Quite scarce in commerce.

Vellum toned and soiled. Title with a few small red spots and early ink signature, some light early ink underlining in places, brown stain near center of book mostly isolated to lower margin though six leaves with the stain extended through the page (see photos for worst example, pg. 349); pages 161, 700, and 719 discreetly repaired with slight loss of text supplied in manuscript (see photos for example on page 161); final leaf with early ink to blank verso and corner-chip removing page number; else some occasional light foxing, mild toning, or similar minor blemishes, overall Good.