DEBT.

Inquire · Offered by Peter Harrington

La prattica dell'ufficio di commessario di banca, Rare second edition of this Sicilian legal manual containing formulas and procedures for the collection of debts and punishment of debtors. It was first published in 1584, commissioned by Viceroy Marcantonio Colonna (1535-1584) and it was followed at his court in Monreale. The treatise outlines the procedures to follow in the event of a debtor's death and discusses the seizure and auctioning of creditors' assets. It describes cases in which a creditor may be exempt from penalties and details the proper methods for questioning defendants and witnesses in both civil and criminal proceedings - such as in cases of theft. It also covers the drafting of public notices issued against known criminals. A lengthy section is dedicated to the use of torture on those found guilty or suspected of guilt. This was conducted during formal interrogation sessions. While the text does not specify the types of torture employed, it notes that the accused was required to kneel and respond to a fixed series of questions, and an hourglass was used to regulate the duration of the session. The final chapter sets out regulations on the granting of fiscal privileges and the collection of specific taxes, such as the decima and tarino.We have traced only one copy of this edition at auction, and none of the first edition.

Found via Rare Books Intel, a search across rare-book dealers, auction houses and marketplaces worldwide.