Alighieri, Dante

La Divina Commedia di Dante Alighieri con Varie Annotazioni, copiosi Rami Adornata. ['The Divine Comedy'. 'Inferno', 'Purgatory', 'Paradise' with two accompanying volumes of Prose and Poetry]. 5 Volumes. [1757-1758]

Venice: Antonio Zatta, 1757-1758. 1st ed thus, Quarto, 5 volumes complete (four in five as volume IV is in two parts): Volume I: Half-title,engraved frontispiece portrait of Dante, engraved title printed in red and black, with following five engraved pages: portrait of Elisabetta Petrowna (Empress Elizabeth of Russia), dedication page, scene with Dante, medallions, scene with bust, 34 full-page engravings for 34 Cantos, additional engraved large head and tail pieces, full-page engraving of the plan of the Inferno, faint water stain to lower edge prefatory pages and pp. I-XX, small chip to edge of p. CLXVII; Volume II. Engraved title page, half-title, 33 full-page copperplate engravings, engraved large head and tail pieces, faint water stain to lower edge occasionally throughout. Volume III. Engraved title page, half-title, 33 full-page copperplate engravings, engraved large head and tail pieces, explanatory notes, faint water stain to lower edge occasionally throughout. Volume IV. (Prose, E Rime Liriche). Engraved title page, preface, index, engraved frontis, four engraved plates, additional head and tail pieces, split to binding at edge of spine (approx. 7 cm.). Volume V. Engraved title page, folding plan (Dante Alighieri family tree), occasional head and tail pieces. Repair to closed tear in margin p. xiv "Monarchia". The volumes are profusely illustrated with fine copperplate engravings throughout. Volume I has been professionally rebacked with original vellum spine laid down, later endpapers to all volumes, fore-edges rubbed gilt, top margin trimmed, some light soiling warping to covers. All volumes with minimal foxing . The book-plates of Egerton Leigh Esq. to front paste-down of each volume. Bound in contemporary vellum, ruled and titled in gilt. A very good and clean set.

The first edition of Dante's complete works published in Venice in 1757 and 1758 by Antonio Zatta. Complete in 5 volumes comprising three volumes of The Divine Comedy (The Inferno, Purgatory, Paradise) and two volumes of Prose and Poetry. Lavishly produced, with engravings after leading artists. An important edition of a key work of European literature. Item #101123

Price (AUD): $9,500.00   Other currencies