Hypnerotomachia Poliphili has been described as the most beautiful book of the 15th century. It is particularly renowned for the beauty of its typography, construction and illustrations.
While the authorship of this book remains a mystery, it is generally believed to be the work of Francesco Colonna, a Dominican monk who lived in Venice. Colonna's name is revealed in the book by taking the first letter of each of the 38 chapters to spell out 'Poliam frater Franciscus Columna peramavit', meaning 'Brother Francesco Colonna loved Polia tremendously'.
First written in 1467, Hypnerotomachia Poliphili was printed over 30 years later at the press of the Renaissance Venetian publisher Aldus Manutius.
Listen to a reading from this book >
Turn the zoomable pages of this book > | 
