Italian manuscript on paper, entitled "L'Instruttioni ... sopra l'attioni de Conclavi," being an examination of the workings of papal conclaves, [Italy, likely Rome, third quarter of the 16th century], 101 pp recto and verso, folio, in brown ink, modern vellum boards, light soiling to first page, else fine.
Provenance: F. D[avison?] [1573-1613] (initials, period ownership inscription and shelfmark lined through); "P.W." (initials).

UNPUBLISHED MANUSCRIPT ON VATICAN POLITICS. Lottini was secretary to Cosimo de Medici and himself a member of many papal conclaves, the meetings in which new Popes are elected. Set against a backdrop of political scheming amongst families such as the Orsini, Farnese and Medici, there is much of interest. Lottini gives emphasis to personal charm and international power politics when describing the criteria used to choose among the "papabili" (papal candidates).
This manuscript was possibly acquired by the English poet and collector Francis Davison when he toured Italy in the 1590s: the inscription and acquisition number have been compared with other examples.