Rare collection of correspondence by significant personalities and rulers: the definitive edition

[Ruscelli, Girolamo (ed.)]. Delle lettere di principi.

Venice, Francesco Ziletti, 1581.

4to (152 x 208 mm). 3 volumes. (6), 236 ff. (6), 203 ff. (8), 284 ff. With woodcut printer's device to title-pages. Early 19th century full vellum with giltstamped spines and double labels. All edges gilt and goffered with a floral design.

 7,500.00

Rare collection of correspondence by significant personalities and rulers, including Andrea Doria, Annibale Caro, Baldassare Castiglione, Bernardo and Pietro Bibiena, Cardinal Bessarion, Lorenzo and Cosimo de' Medici, Pietro Gonzaga, Hieronimo Fracastoro, Giovanni Bembo, Francesco Guiccardini, Emperor Charles V, Pope Clement VII (Giulio de' Medici), etc. Important both as historical and linguistic documents; the definitive edition.

Ruscelli was a prolific and versatile Italian scholar who published on topics ranging from cartography to alchemy. A native of Viterbo, he eventually settled in Venice, where the first edition of "Delle Lettere Di Principi" was published in 1562 in a single volume. The collection demonstrates the rich social context of 16th century Venice, as Ruscelli himself is a classic example of the multidisciplinary Renaissance man.

Light foxing throughout and occasional light soiling or waterstaining. A prettily bound set with 19th century collection stamp to title-pages of vols. 1 and 3.

References

Edit 16, CNCE 16617. Adams L 564. BM-STC Italian 376. Melzi II, 115f. Gamba 1470 ("a very valuable collection").

Stock Code: BN#54195 Tags: , ,