Le livre des Prouffitz chanpestres a ruraulx

Pietro Crescenzi was considered the finest agronomist of the Middle Ages. His Opus Ruralium Commodorum was written after he turned 66, in about 1296, when he had a lifetime of practical experience to bring to his work. This fourth book  is devoted entirely to wine and the cultivation of wine grapes. This part was translated into French in 1373 for King Charles V of France. The first printed edition in Latin was published in 1471, and the first French edition was published in 1486.

In the wine section Crescenzi discusses the various types of wine grape, the best soils for growing the vine, and wine tasting. Elsewhere in the work he details many aspects of agriculture, drawing on classical authors such as Cato and Pliny, where appropriate. Topics include fruit trees, domesticated animals, gardens and garden soils, as well as hunting and fishing.

This edition which is the third French edition is handsomely illustrated with a number of woodcuts. One which shows the pruning and grafting of vines is repeated several times. 

Permission to use this item for any purpose, including publishing, is not required from the State Library under these conditions of use.

Buy a high resolution copy.