[BERGOMENSIS (Jacobus Philippus FORESTI, alias)]. On // the many // illustrious women. A work // nearly divine // most recently // composed. [In the register:] A work on many illustrious women, published by Brother Ja. Philip Bergo//mense […]. Printed in Ferrara. Published and financed by Master Lorenzo de Rubeis of Valencia […]. On the third day before the Kalends of May, in the year of our salvation. M.cccclxxxxvii. [Ferrara, Lorenzo de Rossi, April 29, 1497]. Small folio (203 x 294 mm), Jansenist red morocco, ribbed spine, gilt edges (Chambolle-Duru). 176 ff.: A4, a–e8, f6, g–p8, q6, r8, s6, t8, v6, x8 & y–z6 (paginated from I to CLXX with a few errors). Work revised and edited by Albertus de PLACENTIA (alias Albert of Plaisance) and Augustin of Casalmaggiore. Three pages adorned with a large woodcut frame (A1 v°, a2 v° & a3), two of which feature a large illustration (one as a frontispiece), and numerous small woodcuts in the text, often repeated; initials; printer’s mark on the last folio. Minor marginal damage restored on folios A2 through A4, a1, x8, z5, and z6 (the latter reinforced). FAMOUS INCUNABULUM, NOTABLY REFERRING TO SAINT JOAN OF ARC (on 4 pp. [“ De Janna gallica pulcella optima iuvencula” ff. t7 to t8v°]) as well as the False Pope Joan, believed to be the FIRST PRINTED WORK TO ADDRESS THE MAJOR FEMALE FIGURES IN HISTORY. Hain-Copinger, 2813; Pellechet, 2069; Polain, 1497; Proctor, 5762; Brunet, I, 787.