Bibliographica Iuridica, Vol. 3Edoardo Volterra (1904–1984)
The present catalogue provides access to the collection by offering a full description, based on inspection of the individual books, of the entire fondo antico of the library. The particular strength of the library reflects the humanistic historical and philological interests of Volterra himself, but it includes the whole range of Roman law literature, from incunable and 16th century editions of the Medieval Commentators through to 19th century editions of classical Roman law which were an abiding interest of Volterra and are particularly well represented in his library. The catalogue is enlivened by a fascinating series of personal studies by his friends and pupils. Ennio Cortese offers a panorama of the collection and teases out the intellectual interests of Volterra himself. Giovanni Gualandi recalls his lifetime acquaintance with the master and the growth of the library. The lifelong family friend, Dino Zanobetti, relates his central role in the unknown story of the rescue of the library at Bologna in the last days of World War II. This series of reminiscences is concluded by a charming cameo by Virginia Volterra recalling the memories of a young girl observing her father at work in his library.
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